Description
Comforting Southern smothered chicken and rice brings hearty home-style flavors straight from grandma’s kitchen. Creamy gravy cascades over tender chicken and fluffy rice, delivering a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 lb chicken thighs
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion
- 2 bell peppers
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 celery stalks
Pantry and Seasonings:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) heavy cream
- 2 green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels and seasoning thoroughly with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika, ensuring even coating on all sides.
- Dredge each seasoned chicken piece in flour, shaking off excess to create a light, even layer that will help develop a golden crust during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then carefully place floured chicken pieces into the pan, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown.
- Remove browned chicken and set aside, then in the same skillet, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, celery, and minced garlic, stirring frequently until vegetables become soft and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add long-grain white rice to the vegetable mixture, stirring to coat the grains and allow them to toast slightly, releasing their nutty aroma.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, gently nestling the browned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture, then reduce heat to low and cover, simmering for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Once cooking is complete, drizzle heavy cream over the dish and allow it to rest for 5 minutes, helping the flavors meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving, adding a bright, fresh note to the rich, comforting dish.
Notes
- Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture, ensuring juicy results that elevate the entire dish.
- Toast flour-coated chicken thoroughly to develop a deep golden-brown crust, which locks in juices and creates delicious caramelized edges that add incredible depth.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing precise seasoning throughout the cooking process without overwhelming the delicate blend of herbs and vegetables.
- Swap white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that maintains the dish’s creamy texture and absorbs the rich, savory sauce beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg