Creamy Smothered Chicken (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
02 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - Salt and black pepper, as needed
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Rice

07 - 1 cup white rice (long-grain)
08 - 2 cups chicken broth
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Creamy Sauce

10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
13 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
14 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
15 - 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
16 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
18 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Sprinkle the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Warm up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth and salt, and bring them to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the grains are soft and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork, then set it aside.
03 - Using the same skillet from the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheeses melt fully.
04 - Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, covering it with the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
05 - Spoon the cooked rice onto plates, place the chicken on top, and generously pour the creamy sauce over. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.

# Notes:

01 - Browning the chicken before simmering enhances its flavor and texture.
02 - Make sure to stir the sauce continuously to avoid lumps forming.

Back