Description
Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty Smothered Chicken and Rice dish, where tender chicken nestles atop fluffy rice. Rich gravy blankets each bite, promising a soul-warming meal that connects generations of home cooks.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Meticulously coat chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic seasonings, creating a flavor-enhancing crust that will elevate the entire dish.
- Ignite a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, then expertly sear chicken until a rich golden-brown exterior develops, ensuring succulent meat with caramelized edges.
- Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a temporary plate, preserving its warmth and juiciness for later incorporation.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence.
- Introduce rice to the aromatic mixture, gently toasting the grains to unlock deeper, nuttier undertones and prepare them for maximum sauce absorption.
- Create a luxurious sauce by combining chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and heavy cream, whisking until a smooth, velvety consistency emerges.
- Simmer the sauce for several minutes, encouraging it to thicken and develop a rich, cohesive flavor profile.
- Carefully nestle the seared chicken breasts atop the rice, submerging them partially in the creamy sauce.
- Cover the skillet, reducing heat to a gentle simmer, and allow the rice to slowly absorb the sauce while the chicken completes its cooking process.
- After 20-25 minutes, verify the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F and the rice has become tender and fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest briefly, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish, adding a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbaceous note.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each portion receives an generous amount of the creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken and rice.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning levels by tasting the sauce before adding chicken to ensure balanced flavor profile.
- Select bone-in chicken breasts for richer taste and more moisture during cooking process.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting cream of chicken soup with homemade cashew cream or cornstarch-thickened broth.
- Reduce calorie content by using low-fat cream and skinless chicken breasts without compromising overall recipe texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg