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CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

This creamy smothered chicken and rice features tender, seasoned chicken breasts covered in a rich, cheesy sauce served over fluffy rice for the ultimate comfort meal ready in 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Rice
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
Creamy Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon thyme
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. In medium saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth and salt to boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15-18 minutes until tender and liquid absorbed. Fluff with fork and set aside.
  3. In same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth.
  4. Stir in garlic powder and thyme. Cook 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over top. Cover and simmer on low 10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  6. Plate rice, top with smothered chicken and extra sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to sauce. If sauce is too thick, thin with additional milk or broth. Swap white rice for brown rice, increasing cooking time to 40 minutes.