Cheesy Smothered Chicken Rice (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken Prep
01 -
4 chicken breasts, no skin or bones
02 -
1 tsp garlic powder
03 -
1 tsp onion powder
04 -
1 tsp paprika (smoked if available)
05 -
A pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper
06 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Rice Base
07 -
1 cup white rice (long-grain)
08 -
2 cups broth made from chicken
09 -
1/2 tsp salt
→ Cheesy Sauce
10 -
2 tbsp butter, unsalted
11 -
2 tbsp regular flour
12 -
1 1/2 cups whole milk
13 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
14 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
15 -
1/4 tsp thyme (dried)
16 -
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded fresh
17 -
1/2 cup Parmesan, grated fresh
18 -
Small handful of chopped parsley for decoration
# Instructions:
01 -
Rub the chicken with the garlic and onion powders, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat up some olive oil in a big pan on medium-high. Lay your chicken into the hot pan and brown each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden. Put them aside while you whip up the next parts.
02 -
Bring your chicken broth and salt to a rolling boil in a pot. Stir in the rice, turn the heat way down, cover, and let it cook slowly for 15 to 18 minutes. Wait until the rice has absorbed the liquid and looks fluffy. Give it a quick fork fluff and keep it warm.
03 -
In the same pan you cooked the chicken, drop in the butter over medium heat until it melts. Stir in the flour and cook it for about 1 or 2 minutes, just long enough for it to change color to a soft golden. Slowly whisk in both the milk and the broth until you’ve got a smooth mix. Add in the seasonings and cheeses, stirring continuously until they melt and combine.
04 -
Pop the chicken back into the pan, letting it soak in the cheesy sauce. Cover it and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until the chicken's done. Serve it up with the rice, drenching everything in that rich sauce, and sprinkle some parsley over the top if you like.
# Notes:
01 -
Giving the chicken a sear first locks in its juiciness and adds a golden crust.
02 -
Freshly grated cheese melts better—avoid the pre-packaged kind when possible.
03 -
This sauce stores well in advance; just reheat gently with a splash of milk added.