Name: Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Chicken; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; For the Rice; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ tsp salt; For the Creamy Sauce; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups whole milk; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp thyme; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish, featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, cheesy creamy sauce and served over fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or weeknight meals, and it’s incredibly easy to make in just 45 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

For the Rice

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

½ tsp salt

For the Creamy Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups whole milk

½ cup chicken broth

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp thyme

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

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 until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually add 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.

Combine Everything:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until fully cooked and tender.

Serve:
Plate the rice and top with the smothered chicken and creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, then serve immediately.

Notes

The recipe can be customized with vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.

For extra richness, add more cheese or use Gruyère cheese in place of cheddar.

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