Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice (Printable Version)

Tender chicken breasts in a creamy, cheesy sauce with seasoned rice for a hearty, flavorful weeknight meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - Salt, to taste
06 - Black pepper, to taste
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Rice

08 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
09 - 2 cups chicken broth
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Creamy Sauce

11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 - 360 milliliters whole milk
14 - 120 milliliters chicken broth
15 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
16 - 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 120 milliliters shredded cheddar cheese
18 - 120 milliliters grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

19 - Fresh parsley, chopped, as needed

# Steps:

01 - Pat chicken breasts dry. Season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
02 - 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 liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
03 - In the skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly add milk and chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring until sauce thickens and cheese melts.
04 - Return seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon sauce over them. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
05 - Plate the cooked rice. Top with smothered chicken and creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C for safe consumption.
02 - If sauce thickens excessively, thin with additional chicken broth or milk.
03 - Always use freshly grated cheese for a smooth, creamy sauce.
04 - Allow chicken to rest briefly before serving for optimal juiciness.

Go Back