Best Smothered Chicken and Rice
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Savor the comforting flavors of this Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe. Juicy chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a rich and savory gravy, served over a bed of fluffy rice that absorbs every delicious bite. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this dish promises to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it's a weeknight winner you'll find yourself making time and again.
This recipe for Best Smothered Chicken and Rice is not just a meal; it's a warm embrace on a plate. This dish brings together juicy chicken thighs and a luscious gravy that will have everyone asking for seconds.
A Comforting Family Meal
This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe is not just food; it's an experience that brings families together. The cozy aroma of chicken simmering in a savory gravy fills your kitchen, making it the perfect centerpiece for family dinners. Gather around the table to enjoy this hearty meal, knowing that each bite is crafted to nourish both body and soul. Whether it's a Sunday family gathering or a weeknight dinner, this dish creates moments worth cherishing.
Moreover, this recipe is particularly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your family's tastes. The satisfaction of using simple, wholesome ingredients to create an extraordinary meal makes this recipe a family favorite that you can rely on time and again.
Make Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly
Are you looking for an easy solution to meal prep? This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect for preparing in advance. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making leftovers just as delicious—if not better—than the first serving. You can portion out the cooked dish into containers and refrigerate them for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners throughout the week.
To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability; you can serve it fresh or enjoy it later without compromising on taste or texture. It's a win-win for busy individuals or families seeking convenient yet comforting meals.
Tips for Perfect Smothered Chicken
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious dish:
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 cups of long-grain rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start the cooking process.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the Best Smothered Chicken and Rice:
Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Create the Gravy
Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return Chicken and Add Rice
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and add the rice, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Serve
Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.
Your delicious Best Smothered Chicken and Rice is ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Suggestions
This smothered chicken and rice pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A light vinaigrette adds a zing that perfectly complements the rich chicken gravy. Consider adding a side of buttery cornbread or crusty rolls to soak up the remaining sauce.
For an extra touch, top your plated dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce can offer a delightful kick for spice lovers, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is likely, as this dish is hearty!), store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to three months. To freeze, ensure the dish cools completely before sealing it to prevent freezer burn.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat thoroughly on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to restore moisture. Microwave reheating is also effective; simply ensure to cover the container to keep the chicken moist.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this Best Smothered Chicken and Rice is packed with protein and essential vitamins, thanks to the chicken and hearty ingredients. The rich gravy, made with heavy cream, adds a creamy texture but does contribute to the calorie count, so be mindful if you're watching your intake.
For a lighter version, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs and substitute low-fat milk for heavy cream. You can also boost the nutritional content by adding veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the rice during the cooking process, turning this dish into a colorful, nutrient-rich meal that satisfies both cravings and your health goals.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used but reduce the cooking time slightly.
→ Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just follow the steps and combine everything in the slow cooker, cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
Best Smothered Chicken and Rice
Savor the comforting flavors of this Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe. Juicy chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a rich and savory gravy, served over a bed of fluffy rice that absorbs every delicious bite. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this dish promises to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it's a weeknight winner you'll find yourself making time and again.
Created by: Madeline Archer
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 cups of long-grain rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and add the rice, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 25g