Description
This Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the perfect comfort food, packed with flavor and simple to make. Juicy seared chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce and served over tender white rice for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the 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
1. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
4. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth.
6. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts.
7. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over the top, and cover.
8. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
9. Plate the cooked rice, then top with the smothered chicken and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
You can swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier option.
To save time, use pre-cooked rice and reheat before serving.
For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the creamy sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.