Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender, well-seasoned chicken breasts cooked to a golden brown and smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Served over perfectly simmered long-grain rice, this comforting dish combines savory spices, rich cheeses, and a luscious sauce that brings everything together for a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional spices to taste (optional, such as more garlic powder or pepper)
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown color and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add the long-grain white rice, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Keep warm.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps and form a smooth sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional spices if desired.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy cheese sauce generously over the chicken, and allow everything to warm through for a couple of minutes. Serve the smothered chicken hot over the bed of tender white rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce; you may substitute with 2% milk but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Make sure to whisk the sauce continuously when adding milk to prevent lumps.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding steamed vegetables on the side pairs well with this dish for a balanced meal.
Keywords: smothered chicken, chicken and rice, cheesy chicken, creamy sauce, comfort food, easy dinner
Find it online: https://lieblingsmahlzeit.com/smothered-chicken-and-rice-recipe/
