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red Chicken and Rice for Busy Weeknights Recipe

red Chicken and Rice for Busy Weeknights Recipe

5.2 from 16 reviews

A quick and easy recipe for creamy smothered chicken and rice that is perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned, seared, and then smothered in a rich, creamy sauce served over fluffy white rice.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the Rice: In a separate saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
  5. Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth and thickened.
  6. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted.
  7. Combine the Chicken and Rice: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.
  8. Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of rice, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

  • You can customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
  • Feel free to add more vegetables like peas or carrots to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Smothered Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Easy Dinner Recipe, Weeknight Meal