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–+ servings
Delicious plate of Smothered Chicken served over fluffy rice
Clara Whitley

Smothered Chicken and Rice

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs in a creamy gravy served over fluffy rice, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) You can substitute for skinless options if preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Or your preferred oil.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended) You can use water in a pinch, but broth enhances the flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can be swapped for half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Plus salt to taste.
  • 1 cup long-grain rice Can use your preferred rice variety.
  • Fresh parsley for garnish Optional.

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Once hot, add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  6. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, soy sauce, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, scraping the bottom of the skillet.
  8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  9. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Sprinkle the rice evenly around the chicken.
  10. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice has absorbed the gravy.
  11. Check halfway through cooking and add a splash more chicken broth if it looks too dry.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

Feel free to experiment with flavors—add cayenne pepper for spice or use chickpeas and vegetable broth for a vegan version. Leftovers can be served in a wrap with fresh greens.

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