Name: Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 4 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; For the Gravy and Rice:; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Description

This rich and creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe is a one-pan Southern-inspired comfort meal that combines juicy, seasoned chicken thighs with perfectly tender rice and a flavorful homemade gravy. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:
4 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Gravy and Rice:
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions

Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides (3-4 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add butter and reduce heat to medium. Sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Make the Gravy:
Stir in flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Rice and Chicken:
Stir uncooked rice into the skillet. Return chicken on top. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Rest and Serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Bone-in chicken adds more flavor but boneless thighs or breasts work too.
Substitute with brown rice (add 10–15 mins cooking time and more broth).
Add mushrooms or spinach for more nutrition.

For extra creaminess, use half-and-half instead of milk.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg

Keywords: smothered chicken and rice, creamy chicken and rice, southern chicken recipe, one pot chicken dinner, comfort food recipes, chicken and rice with gravy, easy weeknight meals