Name: Smothered Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream; 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh); 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick); 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

Description

Learn how to make the best Smothered Chicken and Rice! Juicy chicken, creamy gravy, and seasoned rice for a delicious comfort meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Gravy:

2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

For the Rice:

1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat dry the chicken with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
Add thyme and cayenne pepper, then return the chicken to the skillet.

Step 3: Simmer the Chicken

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the chicken simmer for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
Stir occasionally, ensuring the gravy doesn’t burn.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
Add rice, salt, and black pepper, then cover and reduce to a simmer.
Cook for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Plate the rice and spoon the smothered chicken and gravy over the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for added flavor.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken for maximum flavor.
Sear the chicken well to create a rich, caramelized taste.
Low and slow cooking ensures tender, juicy chicken.
Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking for the best texture.
For a richer gravy, add a splash of heavy cream.
Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15minutes
Cook Time: 45minutes