Description
Hearty Southern “smothered chicken and rice” delivers pure comfort with rich, creamy gravy coating tender chicken over fluffy rice. Soulful flavors meld together, promising a satisfying meal that connects family and tradition on one delicious plate you’ll savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
Rice Base:
- 1 cup (236 milliliters) long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (236 milliliters) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese (optional for extra richness)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Infuse the poultry with a robust blend of aromatic spices by thoroughly massaging a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the chicken thighs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Ignite a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high flame, creating a golden sear on the chicken thighs. Brown the skin side for 4-5 minutes until crisp and caramelized, then flip and cook an additional 3 minutes. Transfer the seared chicken to a waiting plate.
- Transform the same skillet into a flavor foundation by sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Introduce rice, thyme, and smoked paprika, gently toasting the grains to enhance their nutty essence.
- Cascade chicken broth and rich heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to create a luxurious liquid base that will cradle the rice and chicken.
- Carefully nestle the seared chicken thighs atop the rice mixture, skin facing upward. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and allow the dish to slowly cook for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the rice becomes tender and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For an indulgent finish, scatter cheese over the surface, letting it melt into a creamy blanket. Sprinkle fresh parsley as a vibrant garnish, then serve this comforting one-pan meal while piping hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning based on personal preference by experimenting with different spice blends like Cajun or Italian herbs for varied flavor profiles.
- Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum moisture and rich taste, ensuring more tender and juicy results compared to boneless cuts.
- Create a gluten-free version by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, maintaining the dish’s creamy texture and reducing carbohydrate content.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal juices, preventing dryness and enhancing overall meat tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern (American)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 684
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg