Name: Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 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)

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Introduction

Creamy smothered chicken and rice is a comforting, delicious meal that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, cheesy sauce over fluffy rice. Perfect for family dinners or when you want something hearty and satisfying.

The dish shows a white plate filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with golden brown seared chicken pieces that have crisp skin. Creamy light beige sauce with black pepper specks is poured generously over both the chicken and rice. Fresh bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled evenly on top, adding a fresh touch of color. The plate sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
1/2 teaspoon salt
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)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Step 3: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and all the cheese has melted.
Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over them, cover, and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Serve the smothered chicken and sauce over the cooked rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cheese.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Swap the white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist—adjust cooking times accordingly.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for an added vegetable boost.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce needs thinning.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a creamy light beige sauce that has small browned pieces of chicken scattered evenly throughout, the chicken pieces showing a golden crisp on their top sides. In the center of the bowl is a neat, rounded mound of white rice topped with finely chopped green herbs. The sauce has visible bits of cooked onions mixed in, and there is a wedge of lemon placed near the edge of the bowl. The bowl is set on a wooden board partially covered by a light cloth, and the background features a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use lactose-free milk or unsweetened plant-based milk. Replace the cheeses with dairy-free cheese alternatives.

How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can check with a meat thermometer or cut into the thickest part to ensure the meat is no longer pink.