Name: Smothered Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs or chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or milk; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt (to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 cups cooked white or brown rice; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about comfort and simplicity. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients, requires minimal prep, and delivers maximum flavor. The creamy gravy pairs beautifully with juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice, making it a complete one-pot style meal. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve for Sunday supper.

Ingredients

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

Chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Olive oil or butter
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or milk
All-purpose flour
Seasonings (paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper)
Cooked white or brown rice
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Season the chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden, then set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to form a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and cream until a smooth gravy forms.
Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the gravy until cooked through and tender.
Serve the smothered chicken over a bed of cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor.
Swap white rice for brown rice, wild rice, or even mashed potatoes.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and reheat before serving. It reheats very well.

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is classic, but brown rice, jasmine, or basmati rice also pair wonderfully.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, you can use milk or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a lighter option.

Can I bake the chicken instead of simmering it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven after browning it, then pour the gravy over it before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since it uses flour for the gravy. You can substitute with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, carrots, or peas make great additions to the gravy.

What’s the best way to thicken the gravy?

If the gravy is too thin, whisk a little extra flour or cornstarch slurry into the sauce until it thickens.

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes, but since it’s already cooked, add it at the end just to heat through in the gravy.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Simmer gently over low heat and avoid overcooking. Using bone-in chicken thighs helps keep the meat moist.

Conclusion

Smothered chicken and rice is a classic comfort food dish that combines tender chicken, rich gravy, and fluffy rice into one satisfying meal. With its creamy sauce, customizable variations, and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite you’ll return to again and again