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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

This warm and satisfying dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort food
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces 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 for cooking
For the Rice
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for making roux
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon thyme
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnishing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  3. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Cooking the Rice
  1. In a separate pot, combine the rice, chicken broth, and salt.
  2. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Making the Creamy Sauce
  1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is lightly golden.
  3. Gradually add the whole milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes.
Combining and Serving
  1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy sauce, spooning the sauce over the chicken.
  2. Let it simmer together for 3-5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb some of the sauce.
  3. Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken to prevent browning. You can use brown rice for a healthier option, but adjust cooking time and liquid. Adding sautéed onions or mushrooms can enhance flavor.