Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pan dish that combines tender chicken breasts with cheesy, flavorful rice. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and easy enough for weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the rice and chicken broth along with ½ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Step 3: While the rice cooks, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and an additional ½ cup of chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Step 4: Stir the garlic powder, dried thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely into the creamy mixture.
- Step 5: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the cooked rice. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and heated evenly.
- Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little lemon juice and olive oil before seasoning.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy twist.
- Use brown rice for a nuttier taste, but increase the cooking time and liquid slightly.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the rice for added vegetables.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch in place of all-purpose flour to make the roux, and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts served over fluffy long-grain white rice, all smothered in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. Infused with flavorful spices like smoked paprika, garlic, and thyme, this one-pan meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add the long-grain white rice and pour in the chicken broth along with ½ tsp salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce: While the rice cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and additional chicken broth if needed until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, dried thyme, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet with the cooked rice. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and rice. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to heat through completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful, creamy comfort meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk and reduce the amount of cheese.
- Make sure to keep the heat moderate when simmering the rice to avoid burning it at the bottom of the skillet.
- If preferred, substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, richer flavor.
- Leftover creamy chicken and rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans on the side for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy smothered chicken, chicken and rice, cheesy chicken dish, comfort food, stovetop chicken recipe
