Smothered Chicken and Rice
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
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.
Notes
Consider marinating the chicken in spices for a richer taste. You can experiment with different cheeses for potential variations.