Description
This Comforting Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features juicy seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, served over fluffy long grain white rice. It’s a hearty, flavorful family meal perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Rice
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Prepare your seasoning blend by mixing garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture generously all over the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook Rice: In a separate medium saucepan, combine the long grain white rice, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Keep covered and warm until serving.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Using the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to form a roux. Slowly add the whole milk and chicken broth while whisking to create a smooth, thickened sauce. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese. Cook gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the bubbling cheese sauce. Spoon the sauce over each piece, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Serve: Fluff the warm rice with a fork and plate it. Place a piece of smothered chicken atop the rice, drizzle with extra cheese sauce from the pan, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure not to wipe out the skillet after searing the chicken to retain flavorful browned bits for the sauce.
- Use freshly grated cheddar and parmesan cheeses for the best melting and flavor.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk but the sauce may be less rich.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by simmering gently; avoid high heat which may toughen the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Chicken Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: smothered chicken, chicken and rice, creamy chicken recipe, comfort food, cheese sauce chicken, skillet chicken
