Description
Tender seasoned chicken smothered in a rich, savory gravy and served over fluffy rice, this Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort-food dinner. Hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare, it makes a perfect family meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried parsley
Rice
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to ensure flavorful meat.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until each side is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the gravy base: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux.
- Add liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to the roux mixture until the gravy is smooth and lump-free.
- Season and thicken gravy: Stir in the heavy cream (or milk), dried thyme, and dried parsley. Simmer the gravy until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Simmer chicken in gravy: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spoon the gravy over the top, cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and rich gravy over the cooked white rice and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts adds extra juiciness and flavor.
- Feel free to add mushrooms or bell peppers in the gravy for additional texture and taste.
- Brown rice or mashed potatoes can be used instead of white rice for serving.
- Leftovers can be stored well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
