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–+ servings
Best Smothered Chicken and Rice

Best Smothered Chicken and Rice for Cozy Comfort Nights

Experience the warmth of Best Smothered Chicken and Rice, a cozy one-pan meal perfect for comfort nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs Bone-in, skin-on recommended
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Cayenne can be used for spiciness
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Swap with fresh garlic for more flavor
For the Gravy
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Gluten-free flour works if needed
  • 3 tablespoons Butter Olive oil can be used as a lighter option
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots or leeks can be alternatives
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh cloves recommended
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Low-sodium options are healthier
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version
For Serving
  • 2 cups White Rice Consider brown rice for added health benefits
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Optional but recommended for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Dredge in flour to create a crust.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter and sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside.
  3. Add more butter to the skillet if needed, sauté onions for 5 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, then whisk in chicken broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir in heavy cream.
  5. Nestle the seared chicken into the gravy, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Cook white rice according to package instructions, typically for 15-20 minutes.
  7. To serve, spoon rice onto plates, top with chicken and gravy, and garnish with parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 36gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Perfect for make-ahead meals and serving with sides like cornbread or salad.

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