Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice (Print Format)
Tender chicken in melty cheese sauce paired with fluffy seasoned rice for a comforting meal.
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken
01 -
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
02 -
1 tsp garlic powder
03 -
1 tsp onion powder
04 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
05 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
06 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Rice
07 -
1 cup long-grain white rice
08 -
2 cups chicken broth
09 -
1/2 tsp salt
→ Creamy Sauce
10 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
11 -
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
12 -
1 1/2 cups whole milk
13 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
14 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
15 -
1/4 tsp dried thyme
16 -
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
17 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
18 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Steps:
01 -
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl and generously rub onto both sides of each chicken breast.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts without crowding and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook other side similarly. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 -
Bring chicken broth and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Let rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
04 -
In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and nutty-smelling. Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
05 -
Reduce heat to low. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses gradually, stirring until fully melted and sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
06 -
Return chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon sauce over each breast to cover. Cover skillet and simmer on low for 10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
07 -
Plate the cooked rice and top with the smothered chicken and creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
# Tips:
01 -
For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered longer or add extra cheese. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for juiciness.
02 -
Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of milk to loosen sauce if it thickens after chilling.
03 -
Substitute cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for variation. Adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions enhances flavor.
04 -
Brown rice can be used instead of white rice but requires about 40 minutes of cooking.