Description

This hearty and comforting Smothered Chicken and Rice combines tender, flavorful chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce over a bed of fluffy rice. A family-friendly dish that brings together bold spices and cheesy goodness for the ultimate meal.

Ingredients

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

For the Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt

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 thyme
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. In a separate saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

4. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.

5. Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth and thickened.

6. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted.

7. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.

8. Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of rice, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor.

For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk or replace the cream with a plant-based alternative.

You can add vegetables like peas or spinach to the rice for extra flavor and nutrition.