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Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 62 reviews
  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich and creamy parmesan sauce served over fluffy, perfectly cooked long-grain white rice. This hearty one-skillet dish combines savory seasonings with a luscious homemade cream sauce to create a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Rice

  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to evenly season.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet to begin searing.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, loosely covered with foil.
  4. Melt the Butter (Sauce): In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat to prepare for the sauce base.
  5. Make a Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns pale golden and thickens slightly.
  6. Add the Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in 3 cups of chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps and combine smoothly with the roux.
  7. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
  8. Add the Cream and Milk: Stir in the heavy cream and milk, continuing to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to become rich and creamy.
  9. Incorporate the Cream Cheese: Add softened cream cheese and stir thoroughly until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a smooth texture.
  10. Add the Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious.
  11. Season the Sauce: Mix in chopped parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg (optional). Taste and adjust seasoning to preference.
  12. Combine Ingredients (Rice): In a separate medium saucepan, combine rice, 4 cups chicken broth (or water), butter, and salt to prepare the rice.
  13. Bring to a Boil (Rice): Heat the mixture over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil.
  14. Simmer and Cover (Rice): Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and let the rice simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  15. Fluff the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  16. Slice the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin, even slices to prepare for serving.
  17. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken slices to the skillet with the creamy sauce and gently stir to coat. Allow the chicken to warm through over low heat for a few minutes.
  18. Serve: Spoon the cooked rice onto plates or bowls and top generously with the creamy smothered chicken mixture.
  19. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.
  • Use chicken broth for cooking rice for extra flavor; water can be substituted in a pinch.
  • Do not lift the lid while simmering the rice to ensure proper cooking and moisture retention.
  • Pinch of nutmeg is optional but adds a subtle warmth enhancing the creamy sauce flavor.
  • If cream cheese is not softened, microwave it briefly to prevent lumps in the sauce.
  • This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, adjusting pan size accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy chicken, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, creamy chicken recipe, parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner

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Find it online: https://bitesbyluna.com/creamy-smothered-chicken-rice-recipe/