Description
The best smothered chicken and rice is a comforting Southern dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy sauce, served over fluffy rice.
Ingredients
4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cup chicken broth
1 cup long-grain or jasmine rice
1 can (10.5 ounce) cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. 1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper.
2. 2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they’re tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3. 3. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pan and sear them on both sides until they’re golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. 4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the cream of chicken soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
5. 5. While the chicken is simmering, prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
6. 6. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the lid and let the sauce thicken for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the smothered chicken and rice immediately, garnished with the chopped green onions.
Notes
For a leaner option, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also substitute quinoa or brown rice for a heartier base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 55 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Cholesterol: 100 milligrams
Keywords: chicken, rice, comfort food
