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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

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  • Author: Emma Delaney
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Skillet, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a rich, cheesy, soul-warming dish that brings together pan-seared, seasoned chicken and fluffy rice under a velvety cheddar-Parmesan sauce. With pantry staples and just one skillet (plus rice), it’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
Keywords: creamy smothered chicken, chicken and rice skillet, comfort food chicken recipe, cheesy chicken dinner, weeknight skillet meals

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken:

  • Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

  • Season both sides of chicken breasts evenly.

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.

  • Remove chicken and set aside.

2. Cook the Rice:

  • In a medium pot, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil.

  • Stir in rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until liquid is absorbed.

  • Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

  • In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.

  • Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.

  • Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth. Stir constantly until thickened (about 3–4 minutes).

  • Stir in garlic powder and thyme.

  • Reduce heat and mix in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

4. Smother the Chicken:

  • Return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling into the sauce.

  • Spoon sauce over each piece, cover, and simmer on low for 10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temp).

5. Serve:

  • Plate a scoop of rice, top with chicken, and drizzle with extra sauce.

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Sauce too thick? Add a splash of milk or broth to adjust.

  • Want extra richness? Stir in a touch of heavy cream or a pat of butter at the end.

  • Swap white rice for brown or wild rice for a heartier twist.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/creamy-smothered-chicken-and-rice-recipe/