Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, savory dish where tender chicken is simmered in a flavorful gravy and served over perfectly cooked rice. This easy, one-pan meal is a family favorite and brings warmth to every bite.
This dish comes from the heart of Southern cooking, where homey, slow-cooked meals reign supreme.
It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations, bringing together simple ingredients to create something incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This
- One-Pan Wonder – Everything is cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich and Comforting – The homemade gravy soaks into the rice, creating a deeply flavorful meal.
- Customizable – Use bone-in or boneless chicken, add veggies, or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Budget-Friendly – Made with pantry staples, this dish is an affordable way to feed a family.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: Southern, American
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $10-$15
Equipment:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, cooked
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken – Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the Chicken – Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics – In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in the garlic, thyme, and poultry seasoning.
- Make the Gravy – Pour in the chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the Gravy – Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it cook until thickened.
- Simmer the Chicken – Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve Over Rice – Spoon the smothered chicken and gravy over cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
Tips for Success
- Crispy Skin Trick – If using skin-on chicken, sear it well before simmering for the best texture.
- Flavor Boost – A splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce can add extra depth to the gravy.
- Rice Perfection – Use freshly cooked or day-old rice for the best consistency.
- Make It Creamier – For a richer sauce, replace milk with heavy cream.
Common Questions
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work, but adjust the cooking time to prevent drying out.
What’s the best rice to use?
Long-grain white rice is ideal, but brown rice or jasmine rice also work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Can I freeze smothered chicken and rice?
Yes! Freeze the chicken and gravy separately from the rice for the best texture. Thaw and reheat on the stove.
This Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe is the definition of comfort food, delivering rich, creamy flavors in every bite.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish that never disappoints.
Enjoy, and happy cooking!