Name: Smothered Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Classic You’ll Crave Again and Again
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 2 tbsp flour (for dredging); 2 tbsp butter or oil (or a mix); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium); ½ tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp Cajun or poultry seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice; 3 cups water or chicken broth; 1 tbsp butter or oil; Salt, to taste

Description

Make the best smothered chicken and rice with tender chicken, rich gravy, and fluffy rice. A comforting, family-favorite meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tbsp flour (for dredging)

For the Gravy:

2 tbsp butter or oil (or a mix)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
½ tsp dried thyme
1 tsp Cajun or poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Rice:

1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
3 cups water or chicken broth
1 tbsp butter or oil
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Season & Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Lightly dredge in flour. In a skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil and sear chicken on both sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
Make the Gravy: In the same pan, sauté onions and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in broth. Add thyme, seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper.
Smother the Chicken: Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer on low for 30–40 minutes until tender.
Cook the Rice: While chicken simmers, combine rice, water/broth, butter, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Cook for 18–20 minutes until fluffy.
Serve: Plate rice and spoon chicken and gravy on top. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

Sear chicken well for extra flavor.
Whisk constantly while adding broth to avoid lumps.
Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving.
For a thicker gravy, simmer uncovered or add a cornstarch slurry.
Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peas for a full meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45minutes