Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a dish that brings comfort to your dinner table. With tender chicken and rich, creamy sauce over fluffy rice, it’s a meal that both kids and adults will love. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights, yet delightful enough to serve on a special occasion.

How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Ingredients

For the 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

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

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Cook the Rice:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover.
3. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.

Season and Cook the Chicken:

1. While the rice is cooking, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Add garlic powder and thyme. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine:

1. Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the creamy sauce, stirring to combine.
2. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the creamy rice mixture.
3. Cover and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve:

1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, smothered chicken with rice!

How to Serve Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a homey feel. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For extra texture, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

How to Store Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Use chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture.
• Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the creamy sauce for extra nutrition.
• For a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Variation

You can easily adapt this recipe by substituting the cheeses. Try adding mozzarella or cream cheese for different flavors. You can also use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you will need to cook it longer to ensure it reaches 165°F.

2. Is it necessary to use both cheddar and Parmesan cheese?
   While both add great flavor, you can use just one type if you prefer or have it on hand.

3. Can this recipe be made in advance?
   Yes! You can prepare the chicken and creamy sauce in advance, then combine them with rice when you’re ready to serve for a quick meal.

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

This comforting dish features tender chicken breast smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned and served over a bed of fluffy white rice. It's a satisfying meal that's quick to prepare and a family favorite.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Creamy Smothered Chicken

• 1.5 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into cutlets
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 0.5 Small onion chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup
• 0.5 cup Chicken broth
• 0.25 cup Milk or half-and-half
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 0.5 tsp Paprika
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

For Serving

• 1 cup Uncooked white rice
• 2 cup Water

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk or half-and-half in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and let it thicken slightly for 3-5 minutes.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce, ensuring it's well coated. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
5. While the chicken simmers, combine uncooked white rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
6. Serve the creamy smothered chicken immediately over the fluffy white rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried thyme or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce. You can also substitute chicken thighs for breasts.