Description
A refined weeknight entrée featuring tender chicken and fluffy rice bathed in a glossy cheese sauce, brightened by lemon and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken stock, warm
- 1/2 cup whole milk or 1/3 cup cream for silkier texture
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Zest and juice of half a lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the rice according to package directions with a pinch of salt; keep covered and fluffy.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until deeply golden—about 4 minutes per side for breasts, 5–6 for thighs. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until the roux smells toasty. Deglaze the pan with a splash of warm stock.
- Gradually whisk in the remaining warm stock and milk, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in Dijon, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated cheddar in small batches until melted. Return chicken and juices to the pan, spooning sauce over. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve chicken atop the rice, spooning extra cheese sauce over. Garnish with parsley and green onions.
Notes
For a lighter grain option, consider cauliflower rice. Grate cheese fresh for best melting and use warm stock to prevent graininess in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Saucing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg