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Creamy smothered chicken with cheese sauce served over fluffy rice on a plate

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice with Cheese Sauce

Creamy smothered chicken and rice is a comforting, hearty dinner featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich cheese sauce. It is an easy choice for a satisfying weeknight meal with plenty of creamy, savory flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 780
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Seasoning
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Creamy Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Rice
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Cooking
  1. Warm the olive oil in a skillet and sear the seasoned chicken breasts on both sides. Transfer the chicken out of the skillet once browned.
  2. Add the butter to the same skillet, then cook the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened while loosening the browned pieces from the pan.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add dried thyme, dried parsley, and paprika. Stir until combined.
  4. Lower the heat and mix in the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Prepare the long-grain white rice separately using 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until the rice is fluffy.
  6. Place the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce and simmer gently until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C.
Serving
  1. Serve the chicken on top of the cooked rice and spoon the creamy cheese sauce over the dish.

Notes

Keep the sauce over low heat when adding the cheese to help preserve a smooth texture.