Description
This comforting dish features golden pan-seared chicken and creamy cheesy sauce served over fluffy rice, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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 for the rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth for the sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for the sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let them sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- In a separate saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer together for a couple of minutes.
- Serve over rice and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a tropical twist, try adding pineapple to the chicken and rice. Leftovers can last up to three days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, rice, comfort food, weeknight dinner