Description
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a velvety cheese sauce and served over fluffy white rice for a comforting, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
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
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon thyme
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.
In a saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Stir in rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes. Fluff and keep warm.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan. Cook 3–4 minutes until thick and glossy.
Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over top, cover, and simmer on low for about 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Serve chicken with sauce over rice. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra-juicy results and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for more vegetables and texture.
- Swap cheeses for gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack based on flavor preference.
- Use reduced-sodium broth and part-skim cheeses for a lighter version.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to maintain sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice and sauce
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg