Description
A comforting and flavorful dish, Smothered Chicken and Rice features tender chicken thighs smothered in a creamy, savory sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice.
This easy one-pan meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, bringing rich flavors and satisfying textures to your table.
With a delicate blend of seasonings and a creamy sauce made with chicken broth and heavy cream, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re craving a soul-warming meal or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish delivers both comfort and taste in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika, then brown them on both sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the butter and sauté the onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour into the pan and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version), thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the mixture. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice. In a separate pot, cook the rice according to package instructions using the chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Once the chicken is done, serve it over the rice, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, Comfort Food
Keywords: Smothered Chicken And Rice