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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

A comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken coated in a creamy sauce served over fluffy rice, perfect for busy nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Preparation
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Rice Ingredients
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon thyme
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Once hot, cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Rice
  1. In a separate pot, combine rice, chicken broth, and salt.
  2. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
Make the Creamy Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Gradually whisk in whole milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Combine and Serve
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over it.
  2. Let it simmer together for 3-5 minutes so the chicken can soak up that sauce.
  3. Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

For variations, consider using chicken thighs or drumsticks for more juiciness, or try substituting various cheeses for a unique twist. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk and nutritional yeast.