red Chicken and Rice for Busy Weeknights Recipe
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.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted.
- Combine the Chicken and Rice: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Creamy Smothered Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Easy Dinner Recipe, Weeknight Meal