Description

Looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to make and tastes like a hug on a plate? This creamy smothered chicken and rice dish is here to save your dinner plans! Perfect for cozy nights or sharing with loved ones. Ready to cook? Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:
4 tender chicken breasts (no skin, no bones)
A sprinkle of garlic magic

A dash of onion flair

A pinch of smoky paprika

Salt and pepper to your liking
A drizzle of olive oil

For the Rice:
1 cup of fluffy white rice
2 cups of savory chicken broth
A tiny bit of salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
2 tablespoons of rich butter
2 tablespoons of flour to thicken
1 1/2 cups of creamy whole milk
1/2 cup of chicken broth for extra flavor
A hint of garlic powder
A whisper of thyme
1/2 cup of melty cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan for a cheesy kick
Fresh parsley to sprinkle on top

Instructions

Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken until golden. Set aside.
In the same pan, cook the rice with chicken broth and salt until tender.
For the sauce, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and broth. Stir until thick.
Mix in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan until creamy.
Place the chicken over the rice, pour the sauce on top, and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Chicken Substitutions: If you don’t have chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs work just as well and add extra juiciness.
Rice Options: Feel free to use brown rice or jasmine rice for a different texture and flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or Gouda if you prefer a milder or smokier flavor.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then assemble and reheat when ready to serve.
Garnish Ideas: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1 chicken breast with rice and sauce)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: creamy chicken and rice, smothered chicken recipe, easy chicken and rice dinner, comforting chicken and rice dish, creamy chicken rice casserole