Description
This Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting Southern-style dish featuring tender chicken smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy, served over fluffy rice. It’s a perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken and Gravy:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Add Liquids & Simmer: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, making sure there are no lumps. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and oregano. Let the gravy thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Return the Chicken: Place the chicken back in the skillet, spoon some gravy over the top, cover, and simmer on low for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Cook the Rice: While the chicken simmers, bring the broth (or water), salt, and butter to a boil in a saucepan. Add the rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Serve: Plate the rice and spoon the smothered chicken and gravy over the top. Enjoy!
Notes
- Thickening the Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth.
- Rice Variations: Try serving this with brown rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the gravy for extra heat.