Smothered Chicken and Rice: A Southern-Style Comfort Classic

Tender Chicken, Creamy Gravy, and Fluffy Rice All in One Dish

Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate cozy meal—juicy chicken pieces simmered in a rich, savory gravy served over fluffy rice. It’s a warm, filling dinner that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving comfort food, this Southern-inspired dish delivers every time.

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Ingredients for Smothered Chicken and Rice

For the Chicken and Gravy:

• 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creamier gravy)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

For the Rice:

• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
• 3 cups water or broth
• Pinch of salt

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How to Make Smothered Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and poultry seasoning. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 5–7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add onions, bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle in the flour and stir until the veggies are coated. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Add thyme and a splash of cream if using. Simmer until thickened.

Step 4: Smother the Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

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Step 5: Cook the Rice

While the chicken simmers, cook rice in a separate pot using water or broth. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until fluffy.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon rice onto a plate and top with the smothered chicken and gravy. Sprinkle with parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot with your favorite sides like green beans or cornbread.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor
• One-pan gravy makes cleanup easy
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
• Family-approved Southern classic

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Delicious Variations

• Use boneless chicken for quicker cooking
• Add mushrooms for an earthy twist
• Swap rice with mashed potatoes or egg noodles
• Make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne
• Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster version

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Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water
• Freeze the chicken and gravy separately from rice for up to 2 months

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Final Thoughts

Smothered Chicken and Rice is comfort food at its finest—simple, flavorful, and always satisfying. It’s a soulful, home-cooked meal that never goes out of style. Whether you’re cooking for Sunday dinner or a quick weeknight fix, this recipe always hits the spot.

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