Description
How to make tender smothered chicken and rice with a rich, creamy gravy that your whole family will absolutely adore for dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Components:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Aromatics & Vegetables:
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Gravy & Richness:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Seasonings & Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Season chicken thighs with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. In butter, sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This creates a flavorful base for your Smothered Chicken and Rice. Remove chicken and set aside; do not overcrowd the pan.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same pan, melt remaining butter. Sauté diced yellow onion, celery, and green bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. This crucial step builds the aromatic foundation for our comforting meal.
- Make Gravy: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over vegetables, stirring for 1 minute to cook the roux. Gradually whisk in low-sodium chicken broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce until the gravy thickens slightly. This creamy gravy is key for delicious Smothered Chicken and Rice.
- Cook Together: Stir in the long-grain white rice, then nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the gravy. Bring this Smothered Chicken and Rice to a simmer, then cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Rest Dish: Once cooked, remove from heat and let the Smothered Chicken and Rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and the sauce to further thicken, resulting in ultimate comfort food perfection.
- Garnish & Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and sliced green onions. Serve hot, enjoying the rich, tender chicken and creamy sauce. It’s truly a satisfying meal that brings everyone together.