Description
Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting, Southern-inspired dish featuring tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken smothered in a rich, velvety gravy and served over fluffy white rice. This meal is packed with deep, savory flavors, thanks to a golden sear on the chicken, slow-simmered aromatics, and a perfectly thickened gravy. A true home-cooked classic that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms or diced carrots
- 1/4 cup heavy cream for extra creaminess
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for added umami
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a better sear. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. - Sear the Chicken
Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside. - Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute until it turns a light golden brown. - Create the Gravy
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly. - Simmer the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender and flavors meld together. - Cook the Rice Separately
While the chicken simmers, cook the rice according to package instructions to ensure a fluffy texture. - Assemble and Serve
Spoon the gravy over the rice and top with the smothered chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
Notes
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken for deeper flavor and a silkier gravy.
- Searing is Key to locking in juices and adding a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Adjust the Gravy Thickness by simmering uncovered for a thicker consistency or adding extra broth for a thinner sauce.
- Cooking Rice Separately prevents mushy, overcooked rice and allows better texture control.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (chicken + rice + gravy)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Smothered chicken and rice