Description
Southern comfort meets culinary magic with this creamy smothered chicken and rice, a hearty dish promising pure comfort on a plate. Savory chicken nestled in rich, velvety sauce over fluffy rice makes you crave each delicious, soul-warming bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Cooking Liquid and Grains:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Creamy Sauce Ingredients:
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 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, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
- Activate a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, then expertly sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Elevate chicken broth in a saucepan to a rolling boil, introducing rice with a pinch of salt. Reduce heat, cover, and allow rice to simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid absorbs and grains become tender. Delicately fluff with a fork.
- Utilize the same skillet to create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until achieving a light golden hue.
- Methodically stream milk and chicken broth into the skillet, continuously whisking to generate a velvety smooth sauce. Incorporate garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce thickens and cheese melts completely.
- Reintroduce seared chicken into the creamy sauce, gently coating each piece. Reduce heat, cover, and allow chicken to simmer for 10 minutes, ensuring thorough cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Artfully plate fluffy rice, crown with smothered chicken, generously drench in creamy sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is evenly seasoned by patting it dry before adding spices to help them adhere better.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked protein without drying out.
- Select bone-in chicken breasts for extra moisture and richer flavor if preferring more depth in the dish.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder when thickening the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 33-39 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 507 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg