Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice (Printer-Friendly Version)
Tender chicken smothered in creamy cheese sauce, served atop fluffy long-grain rice with Southern flair.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 -
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
04 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 -
Salt, to taste
06 -
Black pepper, to taste
07 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Rice
08 -
1 cup long-grain white rice
09 -
2 cups chicken broth
10 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Creamy Sauce
11 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 -
1 1/2 cups whole milk
14 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
15 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
16 -
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
17 -
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
19 -
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Dry chicken breasts and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
02 -
In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Stir in rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until liquid is fully absorbed. Fluff rice with a fork and set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until mixture is golden. Gradually add milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
04 -
Return seared chicken breasts to skillet, spoon sauce over them, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
05 -
Place cooked rice on plates, top with chicken and creamy sauce, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Patting chicken dry before seasoning ensures optimal browning. Use freshly grated cheeses for a smoother sauce. Allow chicken to rest a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness. Adjust sauce thickness with additional broth or milk if needed. Long-grain rice maintains texture and prevents mushiness.