Best Smothered Chicken and Rice
Best Smothered Chicken and Rice
There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty meal that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice. Smothered Chicken and Rice is a classic dish that has been a favorite in many homes. This recipe stands out due to its rich flavors, simple preparation, and the way it brings family together at the dinner table. It offers a perfect balance of protein and carbs, making for a filling meal that you’ll want to make time and time again.
The best part about this recipe is that it is straightforward to prepare and uses ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. The creamy sauce enhances the chicken and adds a delightful richness to the entire dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, Best Smothered Chicken and Rice checks all the boxes.
Why make this recipe
One of the main reasons to make Smothered Chicken and Rice is its unbeatable combination of flavors. The seasoning on the chicken creates a lovely depth, while the creamy sauce elevates the entire dish. Moreover, this recipe is budget-friendly, using common ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal. If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out and puts smiles on your loved ones’ faces, then look no further.
Another reason to try this recipe is its versatility. The dish works perfectly for weeknight dinners, but it’s also special enough for a weekend feast or a celebration. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
How to make Best Smothered Chicken and Rice
Making Smothered Chicken and Rice is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps, you can create a dish that is bursting with flavor and totally satisfying. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe will guide you through the process seamlessly.
Ingredients:
To prepare this delicious recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 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
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 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 (for the sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add the rice, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed. Once ready, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
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In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Then, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Stir in the garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until you have a creamy sauce.
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Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce generously over the top. Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of rice, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added touch of freshness.
Time Breakdown
To make Smothered Chicken and Rice, the total time spent in the kitchen will be approximately 45-50 minutes. This includes about 10-15 minutes for preparation, 20-25 minutes for cooking the chicken and rice, and around 10 minutes to make the creamy sauce and bring everything together.
How to serve Best Smothered Chicken and Rice
When serving Smothered Chicken and Rice, it’s lovely to dish out a generous portion of rice on each plate, topped with one or two pieces of chicken. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice for maximum flavor. For a pop of color, garnish with chopped parsley. You can also serve a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to store Best Smothered Chicken and Rice
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, you can stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth while reheating to bring back the creamy consistency.
Tips to make Best Smothered Chicken and Rice
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the seasoning for a few hours before cooking. This allows the spices to soak in for a richer taste.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese—adding cream cheese can create an even creamier sauce.
If you want to add some green veggies, consider mixing in some steamed broccoli or spinach into the rice towards the end of the cooking time.
Variation
For a twist on the classic recipe, try using different cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks. You could also replace the white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option. Additionally, feel free to throw in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers into the sauce for added flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Each serving of Best Smothered Chicken and Rice contains approximately 480 calories, 28g of protein, 38g of carbohydrates, and 22g of fat. This makes it a balanced meal, providing a good source of protein and essential nutrients, especially when paired with vegetables.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately until you are ready to cook them. This can save you time on busier days.
3. What can I substitute for milk if I want a dairy-free option?
You can use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for whole milk in this recipe. Just ensure you choose an unsweetened variety for best results.
With this guide, you’re all set to create a delicious, soul-warming meal that will delight anyone who tries it. Smothered Chicken and Rice is perfect for bringing joy to your dinner table and making lasting memories with loved ones. Enjoy your cooking!
Smothered Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking chicken
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth for cooking rice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for making the sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for thickening the sauce
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for the sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for creamy texture
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for creamy texture
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth and salt to a boil.
Cooking Rice
- Add the rice to the boiling chicken broth, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
- Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until you have a creamy sauce.
Assembly
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of rice, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley.
