Description
Smothered chicken and rice is a hearty Southern-inspired comfort food dish with tender chicken simmered in a savory creamy gravy, served over fluffy rice for a satisfying family meal.
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)
Instructions
- Season the chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive 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 the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and cream until a smooth gravy forms.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer gently in the gravy for 25–30 minutes, until cooked through and tender.
- Serve the smothered chicken over a bed of cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.Swap white rice for brown rice, wild rice, or mashed potatoes.Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for extra flavor and texture.For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 2 months in the freezer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
