Smothered Chicken and Rice
Description
Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting Southern-inspired dish made with tender, pan-seared chicken thighs nestled in a creamy onion gravy, served over fluffy, seasoned rice. It’s the ultimate one-pot meal—rich in flavor, hearty, and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Gravy
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne for heat
For the Rice
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
3 cups water or chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil or oil
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Season and Sear the Chicken (15 mins)
Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes, flip and cook 3–4 more minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Gravy (15 mins)
In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions until golden (about 5 mins).
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Sprinkle flour over onions, stir well to cook off raw flavor (1–2 mins).
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then add cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Let simmer until slightly thickened (5 mins).
3. Cook the Rice (While gravy simmers) (20 mins)
Rinse rice until water runs clear.
In a saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil, add rice, salt, and butter.
Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 18–20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
4. Combine and Simmer (20 mins)
Return chicken to skillet with gravy, skin-side up.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Serve
Plate the rice and spoon chicken and gravy on top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Estimated Time
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Total: 1 hour
Nutrition Information (Per Serving: 1 thigh with rice & gravy, out of 6 servings)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~550 kcal
Protein ~28 g
Carbohydrates ~35 g
Fat ~33 g
Saturated Fat ~11 g
Fiber ~1 g
Sugar ~2 g
Sodium ~550 mg
(Note: Actual values can vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)
FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts or thighs?
A: Yes, though bone-in thighs give more flavor. If using boneless, reduce simmer time to 15–18 minutes.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead?
A: Yes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze smothered chicken and rice?
A: Yes, but store the chicken and rice separately to maintain texture. Use within 2 months.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use full-fat coconut milk or dairy-free cream alternatives. Also replace butter with oil.
Q: What vegetables pair well with this dish?
A: Steamed broccoli, green beans, collard greens, or ro
asted carrots are excellent sides.
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