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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice for Comfort Food Bliss

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a hearty comfort food that is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course One-Pot Meals
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 560 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 4 pieces Chicken breasts use fresh or thawed chicken for best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder adds a warm, aromatic flavor; consider fresh garlic as a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder brings a subtle sweetness; can be swapped with finely chopped onions
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika infuses a rich, smoky depth; regular paprika can work if needed
  • 1 teaspoon Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper fresh ground pepper adds a bit of heat
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken

For the Rice

  • 1 cup Chicken broth imparts savory notes; vegetable broth is a great alternative
  • 1.5 cups Long-grain white rice perfect for absorbing flavors; can replace with brown rice for a healthy twist
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt to taste, enhancing the rice’s overall flavor

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Butter adds richness and helps create the roux
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour thickens the sauce; substitute with cornstarch for a gluten-free option
  • 1 cup Whole milk contributes to a luscious creaminess; use half-and-half for an even richer result
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder reinforces the garlic flavor in the sauce
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme adds a lovely herbaceous note; consider fresh thyme for extra freshness
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese brings a tangy, creamy texture; mozzarella is a good alternative
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor; Pecorino Romano can be used for a stronger taste

For Garnish

  • 0.5 cup Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color

Instructions
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

  • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in 1 ½ cups of long-grain white rice and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cover and cook on low for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  • Gradually pour in 1 cup of whole milk and ½ cup of chicken broth, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
  • Stir in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, and both cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely.
  • Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • To serve, place rice on each plate, top with creamy smothered chicken, drizzle sauce over, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Use long-grain white rice for fluffy results and avoid overcooking the chicken for a juicy texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Chicken and Rice, comfort food, Creamy Smothered Chicken, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Meal
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