Delicious Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting, one-pan meal combining tender chicken with a velvety cheese sauce, served over fluffy rice. This Southern-inspired dish is perfect for cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
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
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Cook 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and cheese melts.
- Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over chicken. Cover and simmer on low 10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Plate the cooked rice, top with smothered chicken and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Try smoked gouda or mozzarella for a different twist.
- Spice Level: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen sauce.
- To make gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
- Use bone-in chicken by adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of whole milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
