Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts nestled in a rich, cheesy sauce served over fluffy white rice. This one-skillet recipe combines simple spices, a creamy homemade cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked rice to create a satisfying and easy-to-make meal ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Rice

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

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

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Season and Sear Chicken: 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 and sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add the long-grain white rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns lightly golden. Slowly add 1 1/2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup chicken broth, whisking continuously to form a smooth sauce. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens and the cheese fully melts.
Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy cheese sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer gently for 10 minutes, ensuring it is fully cooked through and tender.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the cooked rice on serving dishes. Place the smothered chicken breasts on top of the rice and spoon additional sauce over them. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For a lower-fat version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk or use less cheese.
Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
You can add vegetables such as peas or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy smothered chicken, chicken and rice, cheesy chicken recipe, stovetop chicken recipe, comfort food, easy chicken dinner