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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

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A comforting one-skillet meal featuring tender chicken in a creamy sauce served over fluffy rice.

Ingredients

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  • 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 olive oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth (for the rice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for the rice)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (for the sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear chicken 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. While the chicken rests, bring 2 cups chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  5. Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 to 18 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  6. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
  7. Whisk in the flour and cook 1 to 2 minutes until the roux turns lightly golden and smells toasty.
  8. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups milk and 1/2 cup chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
  9. Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon thyme. Simmer and whisk until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  10. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  11. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over each breast, cover, and simmer on low 10 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F and is tender.
  12. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving over the rice. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/creamy-smothered-chicken-with-rice/