Description
This Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe offers a nostalgic and comforting taste of Southern cuisine. It features tender, seasoned chicken thighs simmered in a rich, savory gravy, served over fluffy rice. It’s a one-pan dish perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously all over the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and water while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
- Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- While the chicken simmers, cook your long grain white rice according to package instructions.
- Serve the smothered chicken and rice by plating the rice, topping with the chicken, and ladling gravy over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a smoky twist without pork, turkey ham can be added.
- This recipe can be made dairy-free by substituting oil for butter.
- Bone-in chicken yields the best flavor, but boneless thighs can be used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (estimated)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: N/A
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