Smothered Chicken and Rice
580kcal
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces 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
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
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Method
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 cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Rice
- In a separate saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil.
- Add the 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 with a fork.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of whole milk and 1/2 cup of chicken broth, whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon 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.
Nutrition
Serving1gCalories580kcalCarbohydrates55gProtein35gFat25gSaturated Fat15gSodium750mgFiber1gSugar3g
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions: You can swap out the chicken for turkey breasts or use a mix of chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Optional Variations: For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce. Storage or Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.