Description
Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this soulful Smothered Chicken and Rice, where tender chicken nestles in a rich, velvety gravy over fluffy rice. Home cooks will savor each hearty spoonful of this classic Southern dish that warms hearts and satisfies hunger.
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
Staples and Seasonings:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 green onions (for garnish)
Liquid:
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Prep the chicken by patting the breasts and thighs dry with paper towels, then generously season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Dust the seasoned chicken pieces evenly with flour, shaking off any excess coating.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then carefully place the floured chicken pieces and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the browned chicken and set aside, then in the same skillet, add butter and sauté diced onions, bell peppers, celery, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add long-grain white rice to the vegetable mixture, stirring to coat the grains and toast slightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and water, then gently nestle the seared chicken pieces into the rice mixture.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Stir in heavy cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking to create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes off the heat, then garnish with thinly sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and better flour adherence during searing.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution and superior browning of chicken.
- For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour to maintain crispy exterior.
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano to customize the flavor profile and add personal touch to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg