Name: Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 teaspoons neutral oil (vegetable oil or canola oil); Salt (2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt, adjust if using another salt brand); Ground black pepper (2 teaspoons); 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1 teaspoon granulated onion; 1 teaspoon lemon pepper; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 yellow onion, sliced; 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder (adjust to taste); 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock; 6 cups cooked white rice (you can substitute with mashed potatoes if desired)

Smothered chicken and rice is a classic Southern comfort food that brings together juicy, tender chicken and a rich, flavorful gravy served over fluffy rice. This dish has become a staple in many homes, especially on Sundays, due to its simplicity and heartwarming nature. The secret lies in the slow simmering of the chicken in a savory brown gravy made from chicken broth and pan drippings, resulting in tender meat and a rich, mouthwatering sauce. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is perfect for those looking to make a soul-soothing, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 teaspoons neutral oil (vegetable oil or canola oil)
Salt (2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt, adjust if using another salt brand)
Ground black pepper (2 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon granulated onion
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

The Gravy:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 yellow onion, sliced
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder (adjust to taste)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock

For Serving:

6 cups cooked white rice (you can substitute with mashed potatoes if desired)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs. Season the chicken thoroughly, including under the skin, with salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, granulated onion, lemon pepper, chili powder, and cayenne pepper for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs on both sides until they are golden brown, about 6 minutes per side. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

In the same pan, melt the unsalted butter. Add the sliced onions and sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent. The browned bits from the chicken will add extra flavor to the gravy.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Add the flour to the pan with the onions and butter. Stir constantly to create a roux, cooking it for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.

Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the chicken bouillon powder, adjusting the seasoning to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 6: Simmer the Chicken

Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan. Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer in the gravy for about 1 hour or until the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Stir occasionally to ensure the gravy doesn’t burn.

Variation:

While this recipe uses bone-in chicken thighs for their rich flavor and moisture, you can substitute them with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks, or chicken breasts if preferred. Additionally, if you’re looking to add more flavor to your rice, you can cook it with chicken broth instead of water. For a spicy kick, consider adding hot sauce or more cayenne pepper to the gravy.

Cooking Note:

For the best results, make sure the chicken is seasoned well under the skin to infuse flavor throughout the meat. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a little more flour, but be sure to cook it long enough so that the flour doesn’t have a raw taste. It’s important to let the chicken simmer low and slow to achieve tender meat that practically falls apart.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the smothered chicken over a bed of white rice to soak up all the delicious gravy. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with side dishes such as collard greens, cornbread, or steamed vegetables. You can also add a dollop of mashed potatoes to accompany the chicken and gravy for a comforting, filling meal.

Tips:

Make sure to sear the chicken well to get a nice golden crust; this enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.
If you prefer a spicier gravy, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
For extra depth of flavor, you can cook the onions longer, allowing them to caramelize for a richer sweetness.
Always taste the gravy before adding more seasoning to avoid over-seasoning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 430 kcal
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 850mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg

FAQs:

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts. However, bone-in thighs provide more flavor and moisture.

How can I make the gravy thicker?

To thicken the gravy, add a little more flour during the roux stage, or simmer it longer to reduce.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover smothered chicken and gravy for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

How do I store leftovers?

Allow the smothered chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3–4 days.

Conclusion:

Smothered chicken and rice is the ultimate comfort food that will leave everyone at the table satisfied and asking for more. With juicy, tender chicken and a rich, flavorful gravy served over rice, this dish brings together all the elements of classic Southern cooking in one delicious meal. Whether for a Sunday family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will never disappoint. Don’t forget to customize it to your taste, and enjoy the deep, soul-satisfying flavors of this Southern masterpiece.

Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

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