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Smothered Chicken and Rice

Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish where tender chicken is cooked in a rich flavorful gravy and served over fluffy rice. This dish brings together the goodness of chicken, spices, and creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4 People
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet or frying pan
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 chef's knife
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 pot for rice
  • 1 lid for the skillet or frying pan

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs About 1.5 lbs.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups cooked rice White or brown.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and brown for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy. Turn and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice according to package instructions if not already done.
  • Once the chicken is finished, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Stir the sauce to combine.
  • Serve the chicken over a bed of rice, spooning the gravy over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

For a little extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
You can use chicken breasts or drumsticks if preferred, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
This dish is great with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad to complete the meal.