Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice – Quick Comfort Dinner Recipe
A hearty and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce served over fluffy white rice. This quick and easy dinner combines savory spices, rich dairy, and wholesome ingredients to create a satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
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
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Stir in 1 cup of long-grain white rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet from the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup chicken broth, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth sauce. Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook the sauce for 3-4 minutes until thickened and the cheese is fully melted.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy cheese sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and become tender.
- Serve: Plate the cooked rice and top with the smothered chicken and creamy sauce. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the richest and creamiest sauce consistency.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Cook rice uncovered if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning.
- Use low-fat cheese and milk to reduce fat content if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice and sauce
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Creamy chicken recipe, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, easy dinner
