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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

A comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken and creamy sauce served over fluffy rice.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking chicken
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth Divided use
  • ½ teaspoon salt For rice cooking
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For making sauce
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour For thickening sauce
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk For creamy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder For sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon thyme For flavoring sauce
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  4. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Cook the Rice
  1. In a separate pot, combine the rice, chicken broth, and salt.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
  1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Gradually add whole milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Cook until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
Combine and Serve
  1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.