Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s both delicious and simple to prepare, let me share my experience with this best smothered chicken and rice recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice. Perfect for a busy weekday dinner or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is a staple you’ll find yourself returning to time and again.

Why make this recipe

Top Reasons to Try This Dish

This smothered chicken and rice recipe deserves a spot in your recipe rotation for several reasons. First, it’s budget-friendly, utilizing common pantry ingredients like chicken, rice, and a few spices that you likely already have on hand. Second, it’s incredibly kid-approved; the creamy cheese sauce is irresistible to even the pickiest eaters. Lastly, it’s a complete meal that’s quick to prepare—ideal for those hectic weeknights when you’re juggling work, homework, and everything in between.

“This was a hit with my whole family! I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make, and cleaning up was a breeze!”

How to make Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Preparing this recipe is straightforward, making it easier than ever to whip up a hearty meal. We’ll start by cooking the chicken, followed by the rice, and finishing with a luxurious creamy sauce to drizzle over everything. Each step is designed to build flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Before diving into the cooking process, gather these essential ingredients:

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

(Feel free to use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor and extra whole-grain goodness!)

Directions

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Rice: In a separate saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to develop a roux. Gradually add milk and chicken broth while whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until creamy.

5. Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top.

6. Serve: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of rice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

How to serve Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Best Way to Serve

This dish shines when served hot, directly from the skillet to the plates. The rich, creamy sauce pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. If you’re feeling adventurous, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add brightness and balance.

How to store

Best Way to Store Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish should last about 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain that creamy texture. For longer storage, consider freezing in individual portions for quick meals later on—just make sure to package it well to prevent freezer burn!

Tips to make

Expert Advice

1. Chicken Browning: Don’t rush the browning step! Allow the chicken to get a good sear for maximum flavor.
2. Perfect Rice: Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch for a fluffier texture.
3. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.

Variations

Creative twists

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños to the creamy sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier option, swap out the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice. You can also fold in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition.

FAQs

Common questions

1. How long does it take to prep this recipe?
The prep time is approximately 10-15 minutes, with a total cook time of around 30-40 minutes.

2. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! You can use boneless pork chops or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

3. How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on medium-low on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.

This smothered chicken and rice recipe not only delivers on comfort and flavor but is also a flexible dish that can adapt to your tastes and preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, it’s sure to make mealtime memorable!

Best Smothered Chicken and Rice

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Pin Recipe

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Description

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken and creamy rice, perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In a separate saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.
4. In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan until creamy.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top.
6. Serve over a bed of rice and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

For a nuttier flavor, substitute brown rice for white rice. Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: smothered chicken, creamy rice, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe