Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice (Print)

Juicy chicken and luscious creamy sauce over fluffy rice deliver comfort and savory goodness in every bite.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - Salt, to taste
06 - Black pepper, to taste
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Rice

08 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
09 - 2 cups chicken broth
10 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Creamy Sauce

11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 - 1.5 cups whole milk
14 - 0.5 cup chicken broth
15 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
16 - 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 - 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
19 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Steps:

01 - Sprinkle chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear seasoned chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
03 - Lower heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
04 - Add garlic powder, dried thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until cheeses are fully melted and sauce is smooth.
05 - Return chicken breasts to skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 74°C.
06 - While the chicken simmers, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender. Fluff rice with a fork before serving.
07 - Portion rice onto plates, top with chicken and generous spoonfuls of creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
02 - Using freshly grated cheese enhances the sauce's creaminess.