Name: Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth (for the rice); 1/2 teaspoon salt (for the rice); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup chicken broth (for the sauce); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for the sauce); 1/4 teaspoon thyme; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

A warm, homey meal featuring juicy seared chicken paired with soft rice and a rich, cheesy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Pat the chicken dry and rub with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the breasts 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly add the milk and 1/2 cup chicken broth while whisking to keep the sauce smooth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts.
Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over each breast. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Plate the rice, top with a chicken breast, and spoon extra sauce over it. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve right away.

Notes

For a low-carb option, swap rice for cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes. The dish reheats well for leftovers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 75mg