Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this sensational Silky Smothered Chicken and Rice masterpiece, delivering Southern charm on a plate. Rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken create a hearty meal that welcomes you home with warm, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 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 (30 milliliters) olive oil
Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Rice:
- 1 cup (200 grams) long-grain white rice
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare chicken by sprinkling with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sear in hot olive oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Create rice by boiling chicken broth with salt, then add rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid absorbs and rice becomes tender. Fluff with fork and set aside.
- Develop creamy sauce in the same skillet by melting butter, then whisking in flour and cooking for 1-2 minutes until light golden. Slowly incorporate milk and chicken broth while continuously whisking to form a smooth mixture.
- Enhance sauce by stirring in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and cheese completely melts.
- Return chicken to skillet, generously coating with prepared sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Plate fluffy rice as base, arrange smothered chicken on top, and drizzle remaining sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Opt for thin-cut chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and faster preparation.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Consider substituting heavy cream for milk to create an ultra-rich, velvety sauce texture.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like Gruyère or pepper jack for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Searing (Frying) and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg