Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken breasts, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The creamy sauce made from milk, cheese, and spices enhances the flavor, making every bite indulgent and comforting. Ready in less than an hour, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Rice:
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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½ teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 ½ cups whole milk
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon thyme
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. -
Cook Rice:
In a separate pot, bring the chicken broth and salt to a boil. Stir in the rice, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. -
Make Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Stir in the garlic powder and thyme, then cook until the sauce thickens. -
Add Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to cook until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth. -
Assemble:
Place the cooked rice onto plates. Top with the chicken, then pour the creamy sauce over the chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
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For a lighter version, you can substitute the whole milk with a lower-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.
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Add vegetables such as steamed broccoli or green beans to make this a complete meal.
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For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice to the creamy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice, chicken and rice, creamy chicken dish, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, family meal, cheesy chicken, stovetop chicken, chicken casserole, weeknight dinner