This creamy, tender chicken dish is served in a rich, cheesy sauce over fluffy rice, providing a comforting meal ideal for weeknights or cozy dinners.
Servings 4servings
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4piecesboneless (skinless chicken breasts)
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoononion powder
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
2tablespoonsolive oil
For the Rice
1cuplong-grain white rice
2cupschicken broth
½teaspoonsalt
For the Creamy Sauce
2tablespoonsunsalted butter
2tablespoonsall-purpose flour
1 ½cupswhole milkUse whole milk for a richer sauce; 2% can be used.
½cupchicken broth
½teaspoongarlic powder
¼teaspoonthyme
½cupshredded cheddar cheese
½cupgrated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Method
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts 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 for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce.
Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese is melted.
Combine Everything
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Serve
Plate the cooked rice and top with the smothered chicken and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Cool the dish to room temperature for up to 1 hour. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months.