Description
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal! Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a rich and creamy sauce with rice. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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For the 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
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For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
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For the 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 dried thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Rice: In a saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until thickened and cheese is melted.
- Simmer Chicken: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Plate rice, top with chicken and sauce. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Browning the chicken enhances the flavor, so don’t skip searing.
- For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and ½ cup rice
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg