Description
Smothered chicken and rice is a beloved Southern dish that’s hearty and comforting. The tender chicken, savory gravy, and creamy rice make it a perfect meal for any occasion. This dish has been passed down through generations and continues to be a staple in Southern kitchens, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any family gathering. The rich, flavorful gravy is the highlight of this dish, making it a perfect comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 🍗 Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 🍚 Rice: 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 🧅 Vegetables: 1 onion (diced), one bell pepper (diced), three cloves garlic (minced)
- 🌿 Spices: 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 🍲 Liquid: 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 🧈 Butter or Oil: 2 tbsp for sautéing
- 🌱 Fresh Herbs: Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with paprika, thyme, and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter or oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Make the Gravy: Add chicken broth to the pan and stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and mix well. Place the seared chicken back into the pan on top of the rice.
- Simmer the Dish: Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish the Gravy: Add heavy cream if desired for extra richness, and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the smothered chicken over the rice.
Notes
- Rice Variety: For different textures and flavors, you can use brown rice, jasmine, or basmati rice.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or green beans to make the dish even more hearty.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be made and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern Comfort Food
Keywords: Smothered Chicken, Rice, Southern Comfort Food, Chicken Gravy, One-Pot Meal, Hearty Meal, Family Recipe