Name: Best Smothered Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 cups long-grain white rice; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together with simple pantry ingredients. The chicken is seasoned and seared until golden, then slowly cooked in a savory onion gravy that soaks beautifully into a bed of rice. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a cozy dinner for yourself, this dish never disappoints.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor)
Salt and pepper
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
All-purpose flour
Vegetable oil or butter
Yellow onion, thinly sliced
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Long-grain white rice
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add sliced onions and sauté until caramelized and tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the gravy simmer until slightly thickened.
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the gravy. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
While the chicken simmers, cook the rice according to package directions.
Serve the chicken and gravy over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferred.
Add bell peppers or mushrooms to the gravy for extra vegetables.
Spice it up with a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Use brown rice or cauliflower rice as a healthier base.
Substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative to make it gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until the chicken is heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How do I make the gravy thicker?

To thicken the gravy, add a bit more flour when cooking the roux or let it simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. The flavors actually deepen as it sits overnight.

Can I use boneless chicken for this dish?

Yes, but bone-in chicken adds more flavor. If using boneless, reduce the cooking time slightly.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is traditional, but jasmine or basmati rice also work well.

Can I freeze smothered chicken and rice?

Yes, freeze the chicken and gravy separately from the rice for best texture. Use within 2-3 months.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Simmer the chicken gently in the gravy and avoid overcooking. Keeping the skin on also helps retain moisture.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can easily make it spicier by adding cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.

What’s the best pan to use?

A heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for even cooking and heat retention.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sear the chicken and prepare the gravy first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Conclusion

Smothered Chicken and Rice is a timeless, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its rich gravy, tender chicken, and fluffy rice come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bring this classic Southern favorite to your table in just about an hour.