Description
This creamy smothered chicken and rice dish features rich, cheesy sauce and tender seared chicken, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lb total)
- 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 (for the rice)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for the rice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (extra, for thinning the sauce if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for the sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and sear chicken by patting it dry and rubbing with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet and brown the breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Meanwhile, cook rice by bringing 2 cups chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 18 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- Make the sauce by melting butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and 1/2 cup broth, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan to the sauce; whisk until smooth.
- Nestle seared chicken back in the sauce, spoon sauce over, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve by spooning the creamy sauce over rice and garnishing with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a spicier finish, consider adding smoked chipotle or red pepper flakes to the spice rub.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken, rice, creamy, one-pan meal, comfort food