Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce. Served over fluffy long-grain white rice, it’s a comforting and satisfying one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to impart bold flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 4-5 minutes per side until the exterior is golden brown and flavorful. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and salt to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden and forms a roux.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring the mixture remains smooth. Add garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts completely.
- Combine Everything: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top, cover, and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the fluffy rice and top with the smothered chicken breasts and sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and ease of preparation.
- Feel free to substitute milk with half-and-half for a richer sauce or use low-fat milk for a lighter version.
- For a gluten-free dish, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Leftover chicken and sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- You can add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
Keywords: Creamy smothered chicken, chicken and rice, one pan chicken recipe, creamy chicken sauce, comfort food, cheesy chicken, easy chicken dinner
Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/creamy-smothered-chicken-and-rice-recipe/
