Description
Indulgent smothered chicken and rice delivers pure Southern comfort in one skillet. Cheesy, herb-infused sauce blankets tender chicken over fluffy rice, promising pure satisfaction for hearty home-cooked meal lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Cooking Base and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (for sauce)
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Infuse chicken breasts with a robust blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for deep flavor penetration.
- Sear chicken in hot olive oil at medium-high heat (375°F) for 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior, then transfer to a holding plate.
- Prepare rice in a saucepan by bringing chicken broth to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cook rice covered for 15-18 minutes until liquid is fully absorbed and grains are tender.
- Create a velvety sauce foundation by melting butter and whisking in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to develop a light golden roux.
- Gradually incorporate milk and chicken broth, continuously whisking to eliminate potential lumps. Integrate garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, simmering 3-4 minutes until sauce reaches a luxurious, thick consistency.
- Reunite seared chicken with the creamy sauce, gently spooning liquid over the protein. Reduce heat, cover, and allow chicken to finish cooking for 10 minutes, ensuring complete tenderness.
- Plate fluffy rice as a base, crown with smothered chicken, and embellish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while sauce remains gloriously warm.
Notes
- Spice Flexibility: Adjust the seasoning blend to match your taste preferences or dietary needs, experimenting with different herb combinations like rosemary or oregano.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar and Parmesan with lighter alternatives like mozzarella or nutritional yeast for lower-fat or dairy-free versions.
- Protein Substitution: Replace chicken breasts with turkey, tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives to accommodate different dietary requirements.
- Sauce Consistency: Control sauce thickness by gradually adding liquid and whisking continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg