Description
A comforting and forgiving dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken breasts, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Add garlic powder and thyme. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the creamy sauce, stirring to combine. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the creamy rice mixture. Cover and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
You can cook the rice and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then sear the chicken and finish everything together just before serving. This saves time and keeps the chicken at its best.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg