Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. It’s simple to prepare, and it combines juicy chicken with creamy sauce and fluffy rice. The flavors work wonderfully together, making it a dish that appeals to both kids and adults. You can have a delicious meal ready in no time!

How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Directions

1. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken in olive oil over medium heat until it is golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, set the chicken aside.

2. In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil and add the rice. Reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is tender, about 15-18 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork after cooking.

3. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour until it is golden. Gradually add the milk and some of the broth while stirring until the mixture thickens.

4. Stir in the cheeses and seasonings.

5. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes.

6. Serve the creamy chicken over rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

How to Serve Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Serve this dish warm, with the creamy chicken and sauce generously poured over a bed of fluffy rice. It pairs well with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

How to Store Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Feel free to customize the cheeses based on your taste. Cream cheese or mozzarella can be good additions.
• For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce.

Variation

You can make this dish with different proteins such as turkey or pork chops. Additionally, try using brown rice instead of white rice; just increase the cooking time accordingly.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw it properly before cooking for even results.

2. Can I substitute the rice?
   Yes, you can use other types of rice like brown rice or jasmine rice. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

3. What can I serve on the side?
   Steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty bread make great sides for this dish.

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

A comforting dish that combines juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice, perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to customize the cheeses
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped For garnish
• Olive oil For searing the chicken

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Sear the chicken in olive oil over medium heat until it is golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
• Set the chicken aside.

Cooking Rice

• In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil and add the rice.
• Reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is tender, about 15-18 minutes.
• Fluff the rice with a fork after cooking.

Making the Sauce

• In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter.
• Once melted, whisk in the flour until it is golden.
• Gradually add the milk and some of the broth while stirring until the mixture thickens.
• Stir in the cheeses and seasonings.

Combining

• Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it.
• Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes.

Serving

• Serve the creamy chicken over rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and place it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage, up to 3 months.

Keyword Chicken and Rice, Comfort Food, Creamy Chicken, Easy Recipe, Family Dinner