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)

Description

Smothered Chicken and Rice is a Southern-inspired comfort dish featuring seasoned chicken thighs simmered in rich onion gravy, served over fluffy long-grain rice. Perfect for cozy dinners and family meals.

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)

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Instructions

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, about 8-10 minutes. Add 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, about 5 minutes.
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 fully cooked and tender.
Meanwhile, cook the rice according to package instructions.
Serve the smothered chicken and gravy over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer, but reduce cook time slightly.Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.Spice it up with cayenne or hot sauce.Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat gently with added broth if needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 120mg