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CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE RECIPE

Indulge in Comfort: Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe is a comforting family favorite, featuring juicy chicken breasts in a rich, cheesy sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Whisk
  • Meat Thermometer

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder or fresh onion

For the Rice

  • 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice can substitute with instant or brown rice
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth vegetable broth for meatless option

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or margarine
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 2 cups Whole Milk or skim/dairy-free alternative
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika or regular paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme fresh thyme is a good substitute
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese can use mozzarella or pepper jack
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley chopped, optional

Instructions
 

Directions

  • Season the Chicken: Coat chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  • Cook the Rice: In a pot, bring chicken broth and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with fork and set aside.
  • Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until lightly golden. Gradually add milk and broth, whisking until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, and cheeses, cooking until thickened.
  • Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return seared chicken to skillet, ensuring it’s nestled in the sauce. Let it simmer on low for 10 minutes until cooked through, reaching 165°F (75°C).
  • Serve: Plate rice, top with creamy chicken and sauce, and sprinkle with parsley. Enjoy warm!

Notes

For extra flavor, squeeze lemon over the dish before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Cheesy Chicken, Chicken and Rice, comfort food, Creamy Smothered Chicken, Easy Dinner, family recipe
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