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Smothered Chicken and Rice

Smothered Chicken and Rice
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Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory gravy served over fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. This easy recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients and is customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or family gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 chicken thighs or breasts, bone-in or boneless

Gravy

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch for GF)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil

Rice

  • 1 1/2 cups white rice (jasmine or basmati recommended) or brown rice as variation
  • Chicken broth or water, for cooking rice (per package instructions)

Optional Herbs and Add-Ins

  • Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
  • Cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for spicy variation)
  • Shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese (for cheesy variation)
  • Rosemary, sage, or oregano (for herb variations)
  • Mushrooms or eggplant (for vegetarian swap)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then brown the chicken on both sides until golden. This locks in juices and adds flavor.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, scraping up browned bits for extra depth.
  3. Make the Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens smoothly.
  4. Simmer the Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestle into the gravy, cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Cook the Rice: While chicken simmers, prepare rice according to package instructions, using chicken broth for added flavor if desired.
  6. Serve: Spoon cooked rice onto plates, top with chicken and gravy, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Choose dark meat like thighs for juicier, more tender results during slow cooking.
  • Don’t skip browning chicken first to develop richer flavor and color.
  • Whisk continuously when adding flour and broth to avoid lumps in the gravy.
  • Use homemade chicken broth when possible for enhanced flavor.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their aroma and brightness.
  • Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
  • Adjust cooking time if using chicken breasts to avoid drying out.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently with added broth to restore gravy consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, one-pot meal, easy dinner, creamy gravy, weeknight meal, gluten-free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/smothered-chicken-and-rice/