Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of creamy smothered chicken and rice. Picture this: a busy weekday evening, and you crave a warm, hearty meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This dish embodies all that and more. It combines tender chicken, delectable rice, and a luscious creamy sauce that can transport you to your favorite family dinner memories.

This recipe uses simple ingredients typical of a busy kitchen yet delivers restaurant-quality taste. Not only is the creamy texture irresistible, but the clever blend of spices brings an unforgettable warmth to every bite. Chicken and rice dish lovers will be thrilled to discover how easy it is to create this comforting and delicious meal at home.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, especially with this creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe. Embrace this culinary adventure and get ready to impress your family or friends!

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Fundamentals

Creating creamy smothered chicken and rice relies on a few essential techniques and understanding the role of each ingredient. The key lies in properly seasoning the chicken, cooking the rice to the right tenderness, and developing a rich, flavorful sauce. This dish, along with its simplicity, makes it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Starting with the chicken, you’ll want it boneless and skinless to make for easier and quicker cooking. The use of smoked paprika adds depth, while garlic powder and onion powder contribute to the overall flavor profile. The creamy sauce, made with butter, flour, milk, and cheese, seals the deal with its rich texture that pairs seamlessly with the chicken and rice.

Preparation/setup

Begin by gathering all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. For this recipe, you’ll need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a rich combination of spices, rice, and a few dairy products to create the creamy sauce. Ensuring everything is organized and within reach allows you to maintain a smooth cooking flow.

Preparation involves seasoning the chicken and setting the rice to cook while you focus on the sauce. This multitasking simplifies the overall process, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully while you enjoy the cooking experience.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create this scrumptious dish:

• 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
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 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

Directions

1. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this on both sides of the chicken breasts.
2. Cook the rice: Bring 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium pot. Stir in the rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender, then remove from heat.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, then gradually add milk and 1/2 cup chicken broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
6. Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
7. Serve: Plate the rice, top with smothered chicken, and garnish with parsley. Enjoy!

Technique and Tips for Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Technique

Mastering this recipe involves focusing on a few techniques that contribute to its creamy richness and overall flavor. First, seasoning the chicken adequately ensures each bite bursts with flavor. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika creates a robust foundation.

Cooking the rice in chicken broth enhances its flavor profile, turning a simple side into something special. Once your chicken is golden brown, the delicious bits left in the skillet are perfect for enhancing the sauce. Those browned bits add depth and richness that elevates your dish.

Tips/tricks

To ensure your creamy smothered chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips and tricks.

1. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a beautiful golden brown crust.
2. Whisk the flour into the melted butter before adding liquid to create a smooth roux. This prevents lumps in your sauce.
3. When adding cheese to the sauce, remove the skillet from heat to prevent it from becoming stringy.
4. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Perfecting Results with Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Perfecting results

Perfecting creamy smothered chicken means consistently achieving the right texture and flavor. One way to do this is by monitoring the cooking times. Chicken breasts are generally done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer helps to ensure it’s cooked perfectly without overcooking and drying out.

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken without being overly heavy. A proper balance with milk and broth will help you achieve that delightful creaminess.

Troubleshooting/variations

Should you find yourself facing challenges, rest assured that troubleshooting this recipe is straightforward. If the sauce appears too thin, allow it to simmer longer to thicken. Alternatively, you can mix a bit more flour with cold water and add it to the sauce while whisking.

Variations are welcome with this recipe, too. Swap out the chicken for other proteins like turkey or tofu for a unique twist. Adjust the cheese types to customize the flavor to your liking.

Serving and Storing Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Serving/presentation

Serving creamy smothered chicken and rice is all about presentation. Start by placing a generous scoop of the rice on each plate. Then, top it with the chicken and a generous ladle of that creamy sauce. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a lively touch to the dish.

For family dinners or gatherings, consider serving it in large communal bowls. Guests can help themselves, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Pairings/storage

Pair this creamy smothered chicken and rice with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich flavors. A simple green salad works beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.

When it comes to storage, let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Creating creamy smothered chicken and rice brings joy to your dinner table. With simple ingredients and techniques, this dish will likely become a favorite in your home, bringing comfort and satisfaction to every meal.

Print