The Most Tender Smothered Chicken And Rice Recipe You’ll Love

Juicy, tender smothered chicken and rice beckons comfort-seekers with its rich, soul-warming embrace.

Southern kitchens have perfected this hearty classic over generations.

Creamy sauce cascades like liquid gold across perfectly seasoned poultry and fluffy grains.

Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through robust, satisfying textures.

Crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs add depth to this memorable dish.

You’ll find yourself craving every single bite of this irresistible culinary masterpiece.

FAQs

• Why should I use chicken thighs for this recipe?

Chicken thighs have more fat and flavor compared to chicken breasts, which helps create a more juicy and tender dish that stays moist during cooking.

• Can I use different types of rice?

Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe, but you can substitute with brown rice or basmati rice. Just adjust cooking time accordingly since different rice varieties require different liquid amounts and cooking times.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, ensuring it’s safely cooked through without being dry.

Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe Breakdown

• Craft a Comforting Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for satisfying hunger and soothing souls.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Skip multiple pots and pans with this streamlined cooking technique that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, making dinner preparation stress-free and enjoyable.
• Create Family-Pleasing Perfection: Packed with tender chicken, creamy rice, and rich gravy, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, turning mealtime into a delightful shared experience.
• Boost Cooking Confidence: With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, even novice cooks can successfully prepare a restaurant-quality meal that impresses family and friends.

Ingredients for Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cuts that provide the main protein for this comforting dish.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A classic mix of spices that adds depth and warmth to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden sear on the chicken and provides a rich cooking base.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy gravy.
• Chicken Broth, Milk: Create a luxurious and creamy sauce that will coat the rice and chicken.

• Onions: Provide a sweet and savory foundation for the gravy.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Rice: Serves as a hearty and filling base for the smothered chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish and provides a pop of color.

Cooking Instructions for Smothered Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season Chicken Generously

Grab your chicken thighs and create a flavor explosion by massaging in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until every inch is beautifully coated.

Step 2: Create Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sizzle chicken until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown, developing deep, rich flavors. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Build Creamy Gravy Base

• Butter
• Diced onions

Melt butter and cook onions until they become translucent and soft. Sprinkle flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

Step 4: Develop Silky Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Milk

Whisk constantly until sauce transforms into a smooth, luxurious consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Combine And Cook

Spread rice across the skillet, then nestle chicken pieces on top.

Cover and let everything simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes. Rice will become tender and chicken will finish cooking perfectly.

Step 6: Finish With Flair

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Handy Tips for Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Choose bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring tender meat that falls off the bone.
• Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness during cooking.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and allow more seasoning flexibility in the dish.
• Swap regular milk with unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and keep the meat moist and delicious.

Flavor Variations for Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for thickening the gravy. Use gluten-free chicken broth to ensure dietary compatibility.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Reduce flour quantity and use heavy cream instead of milk for a lower-carbohydrate option.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and green onions to the seasoning mix. Incorporate andouille sausage alongside chicken for extra flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Use oregano, thyme, and lemon zest for seasoning. Replace chicken broth with white wine and add diced bell peppers and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flair.

What to Serve with Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Comfort Food Haven: Cozy family dinner that warms hearts and satisfies hunger with minimal effort.
• Southern Hospitality Platter: Serve alongside collard greens or buttered green beans for a traditional southern-style meal that feels like a warm embrace.
• Weeknight Meal Makeover: Transform leftovers by shredding remaining chicken and mixing with rice for a delicious next-day lunch packed with flavor and protein.
• Potluck Champion: Transport in a covered dish to gatherings, where this hearty one-pan wonder will surely impress friends and become a crowd-favorite recipe everyone requests.

Storage Tips for Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store smothered chicken and rice separately to keep rice from becoming soggy and maintain optimal texture.
• Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.

Quick Smothered Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty smothered chicken and rice delivers Southern comfort on a plate. Juicy chicken nestles over fluffy rice, bathed in rich, creamy gravy that pulls you into a warm culinary embrace.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

Starches:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

Liquids and Dairy:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (240 milliliters)

Fats and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Thickeners:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken thighs with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F). Sear chicken pieces until they develop a rich golden-brown crust on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Transfer seared chicken to a plate, leaving behind flavorful drippings in the skillet.
4. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add diced onions and cook until translucent and softened, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle flour over the onions, stirring continuously to create a roux. Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
6. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy gravy.
7. Spread uncooked rice evenly across the skillet, creating a bed for the chicken.
8. Carefully arrange seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, nestling them into the gravy.
9. Cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Ensure chicken thighs are patted dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and absorption of rich, creamy gravy.
• Consider swapping chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, adjusting cooking time to prevent drying out.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour when thickening the gravy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg