Description
Soulful Southern Smothered Chicken and Rice brings comfort straight from Louisiana’s heartland, blending rich gravy with tender chicken over fluffy rice. Rich layers of flavor create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Cooking Ingredients and Additional Items:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Blend a potent spice mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, creating a robust seasoning blend.
- Thoroughly massage the spice mixture onto chicken thighs, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, searing for 4-5 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
- Flip chicken and cook an additional 3 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and aromatic.
- Introduce rice, thyme, and smoked paprika, gently toasting the grains for 1-2 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to create a cohesive liquid base.
- Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, creating a creamy foundation for the rice.
- Nestle seared chicken thighs skin-side up into the rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the dish simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Optional: Sprinkle cheese over the dish, allowing it to melt luxuriously into the rice and chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, adjusting cooking time to prevent dryness.
- Create a gluten-free version by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice grains.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content for health-conscious diners.
- Toast rice briefly in skillet to enhance nutty flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 479 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg