Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a one-skillet wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup. The combination of perfectly seasoned, pan-seared chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce is unbeatable. With just a few pantry staples and under 45 minutes, you can serve up a meal that feels indulgent yet effortless.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Season the chicken breasts on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, then set aside.
-
Cook the Rice:
- Bring chicken broth and salt to a boil, stir in rice, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking until thickened.
- Add garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
-
Smother the Chicken:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coat with sauce, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes until fully cooked.
-
Assemble:
- Serve rice on plates, top with chicken, and spoon sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier option.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great option and tend to be juicier.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge.
3. What if my sauce is too thick?
Add more milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, mushrooms, peas, or spinach make great additions to the sauce.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning or sauce.
6. Can I use a different cheese?
You can substitute mozzarella for extra meltiness or gouda for a smoky flavor.
7. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it will take longer to cook—follow the package instructions for brown rice.
8. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
9. What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is recommended, but you can use other types of rice if preferred.
10. Can I make this without dairy?
You can substitute the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, like almond milk and dairy-free cheese.
Conclusion
This creamy smothered chicken and rice is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and ease. It’s a dish that satisfies the whole family and comes together with minimal effort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this meal is sure to be a hit
Print
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 45min
- Yield: 4servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners or weekends, this easy one-skillet meal is full of flavor and perfect for families. Learn how to make this satisfying, cheesy, creamy dish in under 45 minutes with simple ingredients!
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Season both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side. Set aside.
-
Cook the Rice:
- Bring chicken broth and salt to a boil in a separate pot. Stir in rice, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in the flour and gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking until thickened.
- Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
-
Smother the Chicken:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
-
Assemble:
- Serve the rice on plates, top with the smothered chicken, and spoon sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a juicier option, swap chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
- For a spicy twist, incorporate cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
