Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
Looking for a delicious and comforting dish? The Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe is a fantastic choice! This dish combines tender, juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe. First of all, it’s a complete meal on a single plate, making it easy to serve. The combination of chicken and rice is satisfying and filling, while the creamy sauce elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Additionally, this recipe can be made in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s adaptable, allowing you to utilize ingredients you already have on hand, making it both economical and delightful!
How to Make Best Smothered Chicken and Rice
Creating a dish this delightful is simpler than you might think. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to make this comforting dish at home.
Ingredients:
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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)
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend adds depth of flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Rice:
- In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth and salt to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork once done.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Using the skillet you cooked the chicken in, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth while whisking to ensure there are no lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce is smooth and has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is completely melted.
Combine the Chicken and Rice:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce generously over the top.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of the fluffy rice. To add a touch of color, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Pro Tips for Success
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Ensure Even Cooking: Use meat that is similar in thickness to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly. If the breasts are thick, consider butterflying or pounding them.
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Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken breasts in a bit of the seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor.
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Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance. Reheat gently on the stove, adjusting the consistency with extra broth or milk if necessary.
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Thicken It Up: If you prefer an even thicker sauce, add more flour (make sure to cook it longer) or use less liquid.
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Herb Infusion: Feel free to add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic twist.
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Cheddar Alternatives: While cheddar and Parmesan are delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
Flavor Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the seasoning mix for a spicy touch.
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Vegetable Medley: Include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach in the pan while making the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
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Garlic Lovers: Boost the garlic flavor even more by adding minced garlic to the butter when making the sauce.
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Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the flavors of the sauce and give it a refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions
This dish stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully well with sides such as:
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Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make for a colorful and healthy plate.
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Side Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
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Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of freshly baked bread or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce on your plate.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce (without the rice) for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and prepare fresh rice when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|———–|————|
| Calories | 525 |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
FAQ About Best Smothered Chicken and Rice
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will add more flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as it will take longer to cook through.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a little more flavor, or replace the cream with a low-fat milk alternative. Additionally, using brown rice instead of white rice will increase the fiber content.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version.
What can I do if I don’t have all the ingredients?
This recipe is flexible! If you’re missing a cheese or certain spices, feel free to adapt with what you have on hand, and adjust the flavors to your liking.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator. Reheat right before serving, making fresh rice to complement it.
Final Thoughts
The Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe is a heartwarming dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner or any occasion that calls for comfort food. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and sides to make this dish your own! Enjoy every savory bite!
Print
Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting dish of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
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
- 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
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.
- In the skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Cook until thickened.
- Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Serve over fluffy rice, garnished with parsley.
Notes
Feel free to adapt ingredients based on availability. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a nutritious boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American