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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless (skinless) chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Rice Ingredients
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ tsp salt
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
  • Fresh parsley (chopped) for garnish

Method
 

Sear the Chicken
  1. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken.
  3. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Rice
  1. In the same skillet, add the rice and toast it slightly for about 1 minute.
  2. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and ½ tsp salt.
  3. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Make the Creamy Sauce
  1. In another small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the flour and stir to make a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and ½ cup of chicken broth.
  4. Add in the garlic powder and dried thyme, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens.
  5. Remove it from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
Smother the Chicken
  1. Once the rice is done, return the seared chicken to the skillet over the rice.
  2. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the chicken and rice.
  3. Cover and let it heat through for about 5 minutes.
Serve
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot for a hearty meal.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices a few hours before cooking. You can add veggies like broccoli or peas for added nutrition and color. Adjust cheese types according to preference; Mozzarella or Fontina cheese can also work well.