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Unveiling the Ultimate Comfort Food: The Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Unveiling the Ultimate Comfort Food: The Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
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This comforting Smothered Chicken and Rice is the perfect cozy meal: tender seasoned chicken, buttery homemade cream sauce, and fluffy rice all in one dish. It’s simple, hearty, and full of warm, savory flavor—great for weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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 olive oil

For the Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon thyme

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

  1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  3. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.

  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Rice

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, and salt.

  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

  3. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

  4. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.

  2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

  3. Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth.

  4. Add garlic powder and thyme.

  5. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until thickened.

  6. Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.

4. Assemble

  1. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.

  2. Simmer on low for 3–5 minutes to warm through.

  3. Serve the chicken and sauce over the cooked rice.

  4. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Richer flavor: Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sauce.

  • Extra creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.

  • More seasoning: A pinch of cayenne or Cajun seasoning adds heat.

  • Prevent dryness: Pound thicker chicken breasts to even thickness for more consistent cooking.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/unveiling-the-ultimate-comfort-food-the-best-smothered-chicken-and-rice-recipe/