🍗 Smothered Chicken Rice: Comfort in Every Bite 🍚
Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in one pan? This Smothered Chicken Rice recipe checks all the boxes! With tender chicken thighs, savory gravy, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s the kind of dish that warms hearts and aromas that fill the whole house. Whether you’re feeding your family or craving something soul-satisfying, this meal is sure to become a weeknight favorite.
📝 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
– 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt & black pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Rice & Gravy:
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup long grain white rice (rinsed)
– 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
– ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
– 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 tbsp butter
– 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
– Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep & Season the Chicken:
– Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
– Season all over with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Brown the Chicken:
– In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
– Place the chicken, skin-side down, into the skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
– Remove the chicken and set aside. (It won’t be cooked through yet.)
3. Build the Flavor Base:
– In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and caramelized (about 3-4 minutes).
– Stir in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
– Add butter and sprinkle the flour over the onions if using. Stir to form a roux for a thicker gravy.
– Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring to combine.
4. Add Rice & Spices:
– Stir in the rinsed rice, thyme, bay leaf, and heavy cream (if using) into the skillet with the broth mixture.
5. Nestle & Simmer:
– Carefully nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up on top of the rice.
– Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low.
– Let simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
6. Rest & Serve:
– Once done, remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
– Discard bay leaf, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
💡 Serving Tip:
Pair with lightly steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad for a well-rounded meal.
🔥 Why You’ll Love It:
– One-pan convenience
– Rich, savory flavors
– Family-friendly & meal prep approved!
📸 Don’t forget to snap a photo before digging in—this creamy, golden beauty deserves the spotlight! Tag your dish with #SmotheredChickenRiceLove so we can see your delicious creation.
Save this recipe and share it with a friend who needs some good old-fashioned comfort food in their life!
