Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Smothered Chicken and Rice is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Tender, juicy chicken is cooked in a rich, savory gravy, and served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or just when you’re craving something hearty and comforting. This one-pan wonder comes together easily, making cleanup a breeze. Let me show you how to make this delicious dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a plus!
• Tender chicken: The chicken turns out so juicy and flavorful thanks to the rich gravy.
• Hearty and filling: Rice and chicken together create a satisfying meal.
• Family favorite: Even picky eaters will enjoy this comforting dish.

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Ingredients for Smothered Chicken and Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious recipe:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water, but broth adds more flavor)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for a rich, creamy gravy)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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How to Make Smothered Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once the skillet is hot, sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through—just get a nice sear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the gravy.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits (that’s where the flavor is!). Add the heavy cream and thyme (if using), and stir until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 3: Add the rice and chicken.
Stir in the rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed in the gravy. Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Final touches.
Once the chicken is cooked through and the rice has absorbed the flavorful gravy, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to fluff up.

Step 5: Serve.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot. You can also serve this dish with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies on the side.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Smothered Chicken and Rice

1. Use bone-in chicken: If you prefer more flavor, you can use bone-in chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time.
2. Don’t skip the sear: The searing step adds extra flavor to the chicken and gravy.
3. Low and slow: Simmer the dish gently to let the rice absorb all the flavors from the gravy.
4. Add veggies: Feel free to add some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the rice for added color and nutrition.
5. Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

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How to Serve Smothered Chicken and Rice

This dish is a full meal on its own, but you can serve it with:

• Steamed veggies: Broccoli or green beans are a great addition.
• Crispy bread: Serve with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
• Simple salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an estimate for one serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbs: ~40g
• Fat: ~20g

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Conclusion

This Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect combination of juicy chicken, creamy gravy, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in one pan for easy cleanup. It’s comforting, flavorful, and filling—sure to be a new family favorite.

Give it a try, and I’d love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to share any tweaks or additions you made. Enjoy!