Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting Southern-inspired meal made with seasoned chicken, a rich cheese sauce, and fluffy rice. It's a hearty one-skillet dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff and set aside.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over the cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mix in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for variation.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Use gluten-free flour and ingredients for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg