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Best Smothered Chicken and Rice

Best Smothered Chicken and Rice You'll Crave Every Time

Enjoy the Best Smothered Chicken and Rice featuring succulent chicken thighs and a rich, creamy gravy for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs Bone-in, skin-on preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust based on personal preference
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Gravy
  • 2 tablespoons Paprika Provides smoky flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Gluten-free option available
  • 3 tablespoons Butter Can substitute with olive oil
  • 1 cup Onions Chopped; yellow or white preferred
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh preferred
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Homemade or low-sodium recommended
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with half-and-half for lighter version
For Serving
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Chopped for garnish
  • 2 cups White Rice Fluffy base; can use brown rice

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Dutch oven
  • Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Set aside on a plate.
  3. In the same pan, add a tablespoon of butter if needed, add chopped onions, and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour into the onion mixture, stirring well. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and adjust seasoning.
  5. Return chicken thighs to the gravy, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, prepare white rice according to package instructions and keep warm.
  7. Serve the smothered chicken over the fluffy white rice, ladling plenty of creamy gravy on top and garnishing with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently with a splash of broth.

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