Description
This Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce served over fluffy rice. It’s a comforting, family-friendly one-skillet meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Stir in the rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and cheese melts.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, cover, and simmer on low for 10 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
- Plate the rice, top with chicken and sauce, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Always use freshly grated cheese for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juiciness.
- Long-grain white rice works best to avoid a mushy texture.
- For extra flavor, stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice and sauce
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken and Rice, cheesy chicken and rice, Southern comfort food, one-skillet dinner, easy chicken recipe, rice and chicken