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The Ultimate Comfort Food: A Deep Dive into This Creamy Smotherеd Chicken and Rice Recipe

The Ultimate Comfort Food: A Deep Dive into This Creamy Smotherеd Chicken and Rice Recipe
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This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the kind of cozy, comforting meal that always hits the spot. Tender, seasoned chicken is seared until golden, then covered in a rich, cheesy cream sauce that’s full of flavor. Served over fluffy rice, it’s a simple weeknight dinner that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • ½ tsp salt

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1½ cups whole milk

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ¼ tsp thyme

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1️⃣ Season and sear the chicken

Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the rice

Bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 15–18 minutes until tender. Fluff and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the creamy sauce

Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
Slowly add milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth.
Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan.
Cook 3–4 minutes until thick and creamy.

4️⃣ Smother the chicken

Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

5️⃣ Serve

Spoon rice onto plates.
Top with smothered chicken and extra sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Thin chicken cooks more evenly: If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them in half horizontally.

  • Extra creamy sauce: Add a splash more milk if you prefer a looser sauce.

  • Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or peas work great stirred into the sauce.

  • Use a meat thermometer: Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/the-ultimate-comfort-food-a-deep-dive-into-this-creamy-smother%d0%b5d-chicken-and-rice-recipe/