Creamy Southern Smothered Chicken & Rice Skillet

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Created on August 7th, 2025 at 05:02 pm

Smothered Chicken & Rice Skillet

This ultra-comforting Southern-style skillet is everything a cozy dinner should be — juicy seared chicken, velvety cream sauce, and fluffy rice all in one hearty dish. 🧡

⏱️ Time Breakdown:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

📝 Ingredients List:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ tsp salt

For the Creamy Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup chicken broth
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp dried thyme
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Rice:
In a separate saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until fluffy.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Gradually add milk and broth, whisking until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan. Cook for 3–4 minutes until melted and thickened. 🧀
Combine Everything:
Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over each piece. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. 🍽️
Serve & Garnish:
Plate rice, top with smothered chicken, and drizzle with sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley and serve hot!

💡 Pro Tips:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk.
Cheese Substitutions: Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or use all Parmesan for a sharper bite.
Make-Ahead: Cook the rice and sauce a day early to save time on busy nights.
Serving Ideas: Serve with green beans or a crisp side salad to balance the richness.

📊 Nutrition Info:

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.