This creamy smothered chicken and rice dish combines tender chicken pieces with flavorful rice in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a comforting meal that embodies the essence of Southern cooking.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this one pot chicken and rice recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup, making it a family favorite.
Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken and Rice
This dish brings together the comforting flavors of Southern cooking with its creamy smothered chicken and rice.
Tender chicken thighs are the star of the show, perfectly cooked and resting on a bed of fluffy rice.
The rich, savory sauce envelops each component, creating a delightful harmony of textures and flavors.
Ideal for busy weeknights, this one pot chicken and rice recipe simplifies meal preparation.
With minimal cleanup required, it quickly becomes a family favorite, offering a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients for a Hearty Meal
To create this creamy smothered chicken, gather the following ingredients: skinless, boneless chicken thighs, long-grain rice, and chicken broth.
You’ll also need a medium onion, garlic, heavy cream, olive oil, and a few spices including paprika and garlic powder.
Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
The combination of these ingredients ensures a rich flavor profile, making each bite a comforting experience.
The heavy cream adds a luxurious touch, while the chicken broth infuses the rice with savory goodness.
Cooking Process
Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Sauté the chicken in olive oil until browned on both sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Next, in the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent.
Then, stir in the rice and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat and covering it to cook for 15 minutes.
This step allows the rice to absorb the flavors and moisture, creating a perfect base for the chicken.
Bringing It All Together
After the rice has cooked, stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet.
Cover the skillet and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a creamy, comforting dish.
Once everything is cooked through, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Serving this dish hot will enhance the creamy texture and rich flavors, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy smothered chicken and rice with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
The bright colors and crisp textures of the vegetables complement the rich and creamy chicken dish perfectly.
Consider options like green beans, broccoli, or carrots to add a nutritious element to your plate.
For an extra touch, serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
This meal is not only filling but also offers a comforting warmth that is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves four, making it a great option for family meals.
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, with 30 grams of protein and 22 grams of fat.
The balance of carbohydrates and protein ensures that this dish is both satisfying and nourishing.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with loved ones, this creamy smothered chicken and rice is sure to please.
Its rich flavors and easy preparation make it a standout choice for any occasion.
Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken and Rice
This Southern smothered chicken recipe features succulent chicken thighs cooked to perfection and served over a bed of creamy rice. The dish takes about 1 hour to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Add Cream and Chicken: After 15 minutes, stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
