Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice (Printer-Friendly)
Tender chicken in creamy cheese sauce layered over fluffy rice for a cozy, flavorful meal.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Chicken
01 -
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
04 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 -
Salt, to taste
06 -
Black pepper, to taste
07 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Rice
08 -
1 cup long-grain white rice
09 -
2 cups chicken broth
10 -
½ teaspoon salt
→ Creamy Sauce
11 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 -
1 ½ cups whole milk
14 -
½ cup chicken broth
15 -
½ teaspoon garlic powder
16 -
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
17 -
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 -
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
19 -
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Pat chicken breasts dry and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
02 -
Bring chicken broth and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff rice with a fork and set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Gradually whisk in whole milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until sauce is thick and smooth.
04 -
Return seared chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the breasts, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
05 -
Plate the cooked rice and top with the smothered chicken and sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
# Additional Suggestions:
01 -
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning improves searing and browning.
02 -
Use freshly grated cheese to create a smoother and creamier sauce.
03 -
Allow chicken to rest briefly after cooking for juicier results.
04 -
If the sauce thickens too much, thin with additional broth or milk to desired consistency.
05 -
Long-grain rice helps maintain texture by preventing mushiness.