Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce served over fluffy rice. This one-pan meal is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Step 4: Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese is melted.
5. Step 5: 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.
6. Step 6: 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 seasoning blend for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use low-fat milk or a milk alternative for a lighter sauce, but the texture may be less creamy.
• Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added veggies.

Storage

Store leftover smothered chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly and cook until tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch in place of all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce, and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 93 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich and cheesy garlic sauce served over fluffy long-grain white rice. Perfect for a comforting and hearty meal that combines flavorful spices, creamy cheddar and Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 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

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Instructions

1. Season and Sear Chicken: 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.
2. Cook the Rice: 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.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: 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 melts.
4. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: 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.
5. Serve: Plate the cooked rice and top with the smothered chicken and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and ease of serving.
• Make sure to simmer the rice gently and keep the lid on for fluffy rice.
• Adjust seasoning in the sauce according to taste before serving.
• For a lighter version, substitute milk with low-fat milk or chicken broth.
• Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor; you can omit if unavailable.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy chicken, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, cheesy chicken, comfort food