Description
A comforting one-skillet dish featuring seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce served over fluffy rice. Easy to make, family-friendly, and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long‑grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (divided)
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all‑purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth and ½ tsp salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until tender. Fluff and keep covered.
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk and ½ cup chicken broth. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan. Cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over pieces, cover, and simmer on low for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- To serve, plate rice, top with chicken, spoon extra sauce over, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Substitute gluten-free flour for a GF version.
- To lighten, use cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
- Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Swap cheeses like mozzarella or smoked gouda for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice and sauce
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
