Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, cheesy sauce served over fluffy rice. This dish is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese is melted.
- Step 4: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Step 5: Plate the cooked rice and top with the smothered chicken and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasonings for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice; just increase the cooking time accordingly.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, fully thaw before seasoning and cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and can be portioned into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts served over fluffy white rice and smothered in a rich, cheesy garlic sauce. This one-pan skillet meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, combining aromatic spices, creamy dairy, and wholesome ingredients in a simple yet delicious recipe.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Once done, fluff the rice gently with a fork and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce: Using the same skillet that held the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns lightly golden and forms a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth consistency without lumps. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts completely.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy sauce, spooning the sauce over each piece. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors, becoming tender and juicy.
- Serve: Plate the cooked rice onto serving dishes, then top with the smothered chicken and creamy sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk or a milk alternative, but the sauce may be less rich.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it a little longer or add an extra tablespoon of flour during the roux step.
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy chicken and rice, smothered chicken, cheesy chicken recipe, one-pan chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe, comfort food
