Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice (Ready-to-Print Version)

Tender chicken smothered in creamy cheese sauce served over fluffy rice in a one-skillet style.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - Salt, to taste
06 - Black pepper, to taste
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Rice

08 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
09 - 2 cups chicken broth
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Creamy Sauce

11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
14 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
15 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
16 - 1/4 teaspoon thyme
17 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
19 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Pat chicken dry and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
02 - In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff rice with a fork; set aside.
03 - Use the same skillet to melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly pour in whole milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
04 - Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
05 - Plate the cooked rice, top with the smothered chicken and creamy sauce, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve optimal sear and flavor.
02 - Use freshly grated cheese to ensure a creamy, smooth sauce texture.
03 - Allow chicken to rest briefly before serving to retain juiciness.
04 - If the sauce becomes too thick, thin with additional chicken broth or milk.
05 - Long-grain rice helps maintain separate grains, preventing a mushy texture.

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