Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice (Print-Friendly Format)

Juicy chicken and fluffy rice in a rich cheddar-Parmesan sauce, finished with fresh herbs.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - Salt, to taste
06 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Rice

08 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
09 - 2 cups chicken broth
10 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Creamy Sauce

11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 - 360 millilitres whole milk
14 - 120 millilitres chicken broth
15 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
16 - 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 60 grams shredded cheddar cheese
18 - 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
19 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# How to Make It:

01 - Sprinkle chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to ensure even coating.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Stir in rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and keep warm.
04 - In the skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk and additional chicken broth to create a smooth mixture.
05 - Stir in garlic powder, dried thyme, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until sauce is creamy and cheeses are fully melted.
06 - Return seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the top, cover, and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
07 - Plate rice, top with smothered chicken and sauce, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Rest chicken briefly before serving to maximise juiciness; adjust sauce consistency with a splash of milk or broth if needed.

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