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Creamy Smothered Chicken with Fluffy Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Creamy Smothered Chicken with Fluffy Rice is a comforting and satisfying meal featuring juicy, seasoned chicken breasts seared to perfection and covered in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Served atop fluffy, savory rice, it combines hearty flavors and creamy textures for an easy, delicious dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 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

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season and cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and salt to a boil. Stir in the rice, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and keep warm.
  3. Make the creamy sauce: Using the same skillet that was used for the chicken, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns lightly golden and forms a roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, creating a smooth sauce. Add the garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts into the mixture.
  4. Smother the chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy cheese sauce generously over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer over low heat for 10 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
  5. Assemble and serve: Plate the fluffy cooked rice and top it with the smothered chicken and creamy sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, then serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the creamy sauce.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes or incorporate a bit more cheese.
  • Swap white rice for brown rice for a nuttier flavor; however, increase cooking time to about 40 minutes to ensure tenderness.

Find it online: https://recipes.mbeams.com/creamy-smothered-chicken-with-fluffy-rice-recipe/