BEST Smothered Chicken and Rice!

 BEST Smothered Chicken and Rice!

📌Craving a dish that's both comforting and incredibly flavorful? Look no further than our recipe for the BEST Smothered Chicken and Rice!

This classic Southern dish is a hug in a bowl, featuring tender, pan-seared chicken simmered in a rich and creamy gravy, all nestled over a bed of fluffy rice. It's the perfect easy chicken recipe for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will adore. Get ready to experience pure Southern comfort food at its finest! See More

Why This Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe is the BEST:

✅Unbelievably Flavorful: We've perfected the seasoning and cooking techniques to ensure every bite is bursting with savory goodness.

✅Easy One-Pan Meal: Minimize cleanup with this convenient one-pan chicken and rice recipe.

✅Creamy and Dreamy: Our signature gravy is rich, smooth, and coats the chicken and rice perfectly.

✅Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love.

✅Versatile: Easily adaptable to your preferences with simple ingredient swaps.

A step-by-step photo showing chicken thighs being browned in a skillet.

Ingredients You'll Need:

📌For the Chicken:

✅4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

✅1 teaspoon salt

✅½ teaspoon black pepper

✅1 teaspoon paprika

✅½ teaspoon garlic powder

✅¼ teaspoon onion powder

✅2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

📌For the Gravy & Rice:

✅1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

✅1 medium yellow onion, chopped

✅2 cloves garlic, minced

✅¼ cup all-purpose flour

✅2 cups chicken broth

✅½ cup milk or heavy cream

✅1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

✅½ teaspoon dried thyme

✅Salt and pepper to taste

✅1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Smothered Chicken and Rice:

01. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season the chicken generously on both sides. See More 

02. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don't worry about cooking it all the way through at this point. See More 

03. Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. See More 

04. Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the milk or heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. See More

05. Add the Rice and Chicken: Stir the rinsed rice into the simmering gravy, making sure it's evenly distributed. Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, pressing them down slightly into the gravy. See More 

06. Simmer to Perfection: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is cooked completely (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Avoid lifting the lid during the simmering process to ensure the rice cooks properly. See More

07. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and become perfectly fluffy. See More 

Tips for the BEST Smothered Chicken and Rice:

📌Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: For even more flavor, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They release more fat and flavor into the gravy. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. See More 

📌Don't Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken creates a beautiful golden crust and adds depth of flavor to the dish. See More

📌Adjust the Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or milk. If it's too thin, cook it uncovered for a few minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. See More 

📌Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a little heat, or you can add other herbs like rosemary or sage. See More 

📌Serve with Your Favorite Sides: Smothered chicken and rice pairs perfectly with green beans, collard greens, or a simple side salad. See More 

Variations to Try:

📌Cream of Chicken Soup: For an even quicker gravy, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with a can of cream of chicken soup.

📌Mushrooms and Onions: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an extra layer of earthy flavor.

📌Brown Rice: For a healthier option, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time. Adjust the liquid accordingly.

📌Ready to experience the ultimate comfort food recipe?

Our Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any night of the week. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and heartwarming meal!

Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and family who love delicious and easy dinner ideas!

Keywords: 

Smothered Chicken and Rice, Southern Comfort Food, Easy Chicken Recipe, One-Pan Chicken and Rice, Creamy Chicken and Rice, Family Dinner Ideas, Best Chicken and Rice Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food Recipe