Description
Soulful Southern “Smothered Chicken and Rice” delivers comfort on a plate, blending juicy chicken with creamy, herb-infused gravy over fluffy rice. Hearty flavors and home-style cooking come together, making you crave another satisfying forkful of pure culinary bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on)
Grains and Liquid Base:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with a robust blend of smoky paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Ignite a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high flame, drizzle with fragrant olive oil, and meticulously sear chicken pieces until they develop a rich, golden-amber crust, approximately 4-5 minutes on each side. Transfer browned chicken to a temporary holding plate.
- Without cleaning the skillet, introduce butter and allow it to melt, then gently introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until ingredients become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
- Cascade raw rice into the skillet, stirring to coat with residual butter and pan juices, lightly toasting grains for 1-2 minutes to enhance nutty undertones.
- Pour chicken broth, heavy cream, and delicate thyme into the skillet, creating a luxurious liquid base. Stir thoroughly to combine and initiate a gentle simmer.
- Carefully nestle seared chicken thighs back into the creamy rice mixture, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
- Reduce heat, cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and allow contents to slowly marry and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until rice reaches perfect tenderness and chicken achieves complete doneness.
- Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the surface for a vibrant, herbaceous flourish, then serve immediately while still piping hot.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing paprika for personal heat preference.
- Consider using bone-in chicken thighs for deeper flavor and more moisture during cooking.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and customize seasoning.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern (American)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg