Smothered Chicken and Rice
A classic and delicious dish that combines seasoned chicken with fluffy rice and a rich creamy sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Rice
- In a separate saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil.
- Add rice, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted.
Combine the Chicken and Rice
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of rice, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours with the spices before cooking. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less milk. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like peas or bell peppers, to the dish for extra nutrition.