Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken in a rich, velvety sauce served over fluffy rice. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Long-grain white rice
Chicken broth
Salt (for rice)
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour
Whole milk
Garlic powder (for sauce)
Thyme
Shredded cheddar cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Ensure both sides are evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden-brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and keep warm.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until golden.
- Build the Sauce: Slowly whisk in whole milk and chicken broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Once smooth, add garlic powder, thyme, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan. Stir for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and cheeses melt.
- Smother the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top, cover the skillet, and simmer on low for 10 minutes to finish cooking the chicken.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve a scoop of rice on each plate, top with a chicken breast, and generously spoon the creamy sauce over. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added flavor.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier dish.
- Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- This dish can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- You can substitute whole milk and butter with dairy-free options like almond milk and vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
