Name: Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish) — finely chopped; 1 1/2 tsp powdered garlic; 1/4 tsp thyme; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred); 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (substitute: cornstarch—use 1 tbsp mixed into 2 tbsp water); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste); Salt and black pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp or mild); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups whole milk (substitute: 1 cup milk + 1/2 cup cream or use unsweetened plant milk for lighter result)

Description

A one-pan, cozy dinner blending tender seared chicken with silky, cheesy rice. Perfect for weeknights, this dish is economical and kid-friendly.

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish) — finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp powdered garlic
1/4 tsp thyme
2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (substitute: cornstarch—use 1 tbsp mixed into 2 tbsp water)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp or mild)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups whole milk (substitute: 1 cup milk + 1/2 cup cream or use unsweetened plant milk for lighter result)

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Instructions

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter foams. Add the chicken and sear until a golden crust forms, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
In the same skillet, add the powdered garlic, thyme, and another pinch of smoked paprika. Stir constantly for about 1 minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and whisk briskly for about 30 seconds. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking. Bring to a simmer and let thicken for 1–2 minutes.
Stir in the rice and season with salt and pepper. Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the sauce.
Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the lid, reduce heat to very low, and stir in the whole milk, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted. Adjust seasoning and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Use low-sodium chicken broth for controlled seasoning. Long-grain rice yields fluffy grains.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American