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Mouthwatering Chicken and Rice

As seen in Satisfying Entrées for Every Table.

Chicken and Rice Smothered in sauce brings comfort to any table. The juicy chicken breasts come alive with smoky paprika and garlic flavors, paired with fluffy long-grain white rice and wrapped in a luscious, cheese-loaded sauce. This dreamy sauce blends milk, chicken stock, aromatic thyme, and melty cheddar and Parmesan cheeses that cuddle the chicken with amazing taste. It's super easy to throw together for quiet nights at home or when friends drop by. The whole dish carries that down-home Southern feeling. Just sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before diving in.

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Lindsey
Created By Lindsey
Last updated on Tue, 22 Apr 2025 20:21:11 GMT
A plate of rice with a creamy sauce. Save Pin
A plate of rice with a creamy sauce. | cookbing.com

This velvety chicken and rice dish has become my go-to comfort meal when I need a dinner that makes everyone happy. The juicy chicken surrounded by a smooth, creamy sauce on a bed of fluffy rice feels like comfort on a plate.

I stumbled on this dish during a hectic time when I badly needed reliable dinner ideas. After making it once, my hubby insisted we add it to our regular menu and now he always suggests it whenever we're having company over.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Work as the ideal protein base to soak up all those yummy flavors
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: Add richness without needing to chop fresh stuff
  • Smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smoky background that makes the whole dish better
  • Long grain white rice: Cooks up loose and airy for the perfect foundation
  • Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce without making it too heavy
  • Combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses: Works together for the right melt and taste
  • Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a splash of green to finish things off

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Coat each chicken breast fully with your spice mix, getting all sides covered. The spices form a tasty outer layer when cooked. Get your pan really hot before adding oil for a good sear. Don't fiddle with the chicken too much while cooking - let it get that nice golden crust without interruption.
Cook the Rice:
Pick chicken broth instead of water to cook your rice - it puts flavor into every grain. Keep it at a gentle bubble not a rolling boil so the rice doesn't turn mushy. After cooking, let the covered rice sit off the heat for 5 more minutes so the moisture spreads evenly.
Make the Sauce:
Mix equal parts butter and flour to make a base for your sauce. Cook until it's slightly golden and smells nutty to get rid of that raw flour taste. Pour in your liquids bit by bit while stirring non-stop to avoid lumps. Wait for the sauce to thicken before adding cheese so it comes out just right.
Combine Everything:
When you put the chicken back in the sauce, pour some sauce over each piece to start the flavor mixing. Keep the heat low for the final simmer so the chicken stays tender and the sauce doesn't break. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F without cutting into your chicken.
A plate of rice with a white sauce and green herbs on top. Save Pin
A plate of rice with a white sauce and green herbs on top. | cookbing.com

What I love most about this dish is watching the cheese melt into the sauce creating that smooth, silky texture. I once made this for my mother-in-law who's super fussy about sauces and saw her face light up after her first bite. She wanted my recipe before she even finished eating.

Make Ahead Options

You can get a head start on this meal to make dinner time easier. Season your chicken up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. You can make the sauce up to two days early and warm it back up with a splash of milk to make it creamy again. When you're ready to eat, just cook fresh rice and warm the chicken in the sauce.

A plate of rice with a creamy sauce and green herbs. Save Pin
A plate of rice with a creamy sauce and green herbs. | cookbing.com

Perfect Pairings

This creamy chicken goes great with simple veggie sides that cut through the richness. Try it with roasted asparagus topped with a bit of lemon zest or a fresh green salad with tangy dressing. For fancy nights, add some garlic bread on the side to mop up all that tasty sauce.

Customization Ideas

You can easily change this dish based on what you like or have handy. Try throwing in some mushrooms for an earthy flavor or mix in baby spinach at the end for extra nutrition. You can swap cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack depending on what flavors you enjoy. Want some heat? Toss in a bit of cayenne or red pepper flakes with your seasonings.

Common Questions

→ What makes this dish flavorful?

All the yummy taste comes from mixing garlic powder, smoky paprika, fresh thyme and two kinds of cheese that make the chicken, sauce and rice taste amazing.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can swap in brown rice but remember it needs more time to cook and extra liquid too.

→ How can I make the sauce thinner?

When your sauce gets too thick, just pour in a bit more broth or milk until you get it how you like it.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can make parts of it ahead of time but warm it up slowly so the chicken stays juicy and the sauce doesn't break.

→ What is the best way to garnish this dish?

Fresh cut parsley on top gives it a pop of bright flavor and makes it look pretty too.

Chicken Smothered Over Rice

Soul-warming meal with juicy chicken, velvety sauce and fluffy rice.

Preparation Time
10 Minutes
Cooking Time
35 Minutes
Overall Time
45 Minutes
Created By: Lindsey

Recipe Type: Main Courses

Skill Level: Moderate

Type of Cuisine: Southern

Serves: 4 Portions

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Chicken

01 4 chicken breasts, no skin or bones
02 1 teaspoon powder from garlic
03 1 teaspoon powder from onions
04 1 teaspoon paprika with smoky flavor
05 Salt as needed
06 Pepper (black) as needed
07 2 tablespoons oil from olives

→ Rice

08 1 cup white rice (long-grain type)
09 2 cups broth made from chicken
10 ½ teaspoon salt

→ Creamy Sauce

11 2 tablespoons butter (not salted)
12 2 tablespoons flour for all uses
13 1 ½ cups milk (whole)
14 ½ cup broth from chicken
15 ½ teaspoon powder made from garlic
16 ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
17 ½ cup cheese (cheddar, shredded)
18 ½ cup cheese (Parmesan, grated)
19 Chopped fresh parsley for topping

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Rub your chicken with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoky paprika, salt, and black pepper. Get your big skillet hot with olive oil on medium-high. Brown the chicken about 5 minutes each side till it looks golden. Take it out and put it aside for now.

Step 02

Grab your pot and bring your chicken broth and salt to a boil. Dump in the rice, turn down the heat, put a lid on it, and let it cook quietly for 15-18 minutes till it's soft and the liquid's gone. Stir it up with a fork and set it aside.

Step 03

Using that same chicken pan, melt your butter on medium. Stir in the flour and cook it for a minute or two till it's slightly golden. Pour in milk and broth bit by bit, stirring all the time so it don't clump. Add the garlic powder, thyme, and both cheeses. Let it bubble for 3-4 minutes till it gets thick and the cheese melts good.

Step 04

Put the chicken back in the pan and spoon that creamy sauce all over it. Cover it up and let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes till the chicken's done and tender.

Step 05

Put some rice on each plate, lay the saucy chicken on top, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and eat it while it's hot.

Helpful Notes

  1. Let your chicken sit a few minutes before cutting in - keeps all the juices inside. If your sauce gets too thick, just add a splash more milk or broth to thin it out.

Essential Tools

  • Big skillet
  • Pot for cooking
  • Stirring tool
  • Chopping knife
  • Board for cutting

Allergen Warnings

Always review the ingredient labels for allergens or consult a healthcare professional with concerns.
  • Milk and cheese products inside
  • Flour has gluten in it

Nutritional Info (Per Portion)

Nutritional values are approximations and shouldn’t be viewed as customized health guidance.
  • Calories: 540
  • Fat Content: 24 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 36 grams
  • Protein Content: 38 grams