Simple Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe: Cozy Family Comfort

Louisiana’s rich culinary traditions shine through this smothered chicken and rice masterpiece that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this soul-warming dish with tender, falling-apart meat and deeply seasoned gravy.

Deep flavors emerge from slowly braised chicken pieces nestled in a luxurious sauce.

Robust spices dance across each delectable bite, creating a symphony of Southern goodness.

Creamy rice provides the perfect canvas for catching every drop of savory liquid gold.

We adore how this recipe connects us to cherished kitchen memories and cultural roots.

Let’s dive into a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Proper Storage For Smothered Chicken And Rice

• Transfer leftover smothered chicken and rice to an airtight container. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack the dish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store frozen for up to 2-3 months. Ensure chicken is completely cooled before freezing.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen dish in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent rice from sticking and ensure even heating. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Why should I sear the chicken before cooking it in the rice?

Searing creates a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and adds a rich, caramelized taste to the chicken, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice works best, but you can also use basmati or jasmine rice. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice as they might change the texture of the final dish.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Smothered Chicken And Rice Essentials

• Savor Quick Cooking: Prepare this delightful pasta dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Tackle Simple Techniques: No advanced culinary skills needed – even beginner cooks can confidently create this restaurant-quality meal with straightforward steps and basic ingredients.
• Customize with Ease: Swap shrimp for chicken or add extra vegetables to personalize the recipe, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Packed with rich, creamy flavors and elegant presentation, this dish looks and tastes like a gourmet meal without requiring complicated preparation.

Ingredients For Smothered Chicken And Rice

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the main protein in the dish.

• Rice: Fluffy grain that creates the foundation of the recipe.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that add depth and enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that provide a rich and savory base for the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter, Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Ingredients that help create moisture, richness, and bind the dish together.

• Fresh Parsley: Herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the recipe.

Cooking Directions For Smothered Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Grab your chicken and create a flavorful coating by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat each piece of chicken with the spice blend, ensuring every surface is well-seasoned.

Step 2: Sizzle And Brown Chicken

Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Cook each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops, creating delicious caramelized edges. Once perfectly seared, transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced bell peppers

Cook the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their wonderful fragrant flavors.

Step 4: Create Creamy Rice Base

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the sauteed vegetables.

Add uncooked rice and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the liquid to start absorbing into the rice.

Step 5: Combine Chicken And Rice

Carefully nestle the previously seared chicken pieces into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low.

Let everything cook together for 25-30 minutes, allowing the rice to become tender and the chicken to finish cooking completely.

Step 6: Final Touch And Serving

Remove the skillet from heat.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the smothered chicken and rice immediately while hot and steaming.

Kitchen Tips For Smothered Chicken And Rice

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness in this comforting dish.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown sear that locks in delicious spices.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
• Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help redistribute juices and keep the meat tender and succulent.

Flavor Alternatives For Smothered Chicken And Rice

• Creole Kick Chicken Rice: Replace regular seasonings with Cajun spice blend, add diced andouille sausage for extra flavor and heat.
• Mediterranean Style Chicken Rice: Swap bell peppers for artichoke hearts, use oregano and lemon zest, sprinkle feta cheese on top.
• Mushroom Herb Chicken Rice: Include sliced cremini mushrooms during vegetable sauteing, incorporate fresh thyme and rosemary for earthy undertones.
• Coconut Curry Chicken Rice: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk, add mild curry powder, include chopped green onions and toasted coconut flakes for garnish.

Suggested Sides For Smothered Chicken And Rice

• Comfort Dinner Delight: Serve this smothered chicken and rice with a crisp side salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy dish.
• Southern-Style Plating: Pair the meal with buttermilk biscuits or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a traditional touch to your dinner.
• Weekend Family Feast: Create a complete spread by adding roasted green beans or glazed carrots to complement the savory chicken and creamy rice, making it a hearty family meal that everyone will love.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion the chicken and rice into meal prep containers for easy lunches during the week, ensuring a delicious and convenient meal option that stays flavorful and satisfying.

Smothered Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Southern charm in this hearty smothered chicken and rice dish that promises rich, creamy flavors. Succulent chicken nestled over fluffy rice creates a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless)
• 2 cups (480 ml) white rice
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken with a harmonious blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coating.
2. Warm a skillet with olive oil and butter, then caramelize chicken to a golden hue on both surfaces. Transfer to a holding plate.
3. Within the same skillet, transform onions, garlic, and bell peppers into a tender, aromatic medley.
4. Introduce rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring to create a cohesive, creamy foundation. Allow mixture to gently bubble.
5. Delicately nestle seared chicken pieces into the rice landscape. Seal with a lid and simmer at low temperature (around 350°F) for approximately 25-30 minutes, until rice reaches perfect tenderness and chicken achieves complete doneness.
6. Extract from heat, crown with freshly chopped parsley, and present the dish while warmth still radiates.

Notes

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture, ensuring juicier results.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
• Adjust cream and broth ratio for desired consistency, making the dish lighter or richer.
• Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the dish’s delicious profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 505 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg