Smothered Chicken & Rice

Smothered Chicken & Rice is the ultimate Southern comfort dish—tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, creamy gravy and served over perfectly cooked rice. It’s warm, cozy, flavorful, and the kind of meal that makes everyone feel at home. With simple ingredients and big flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting, creamy, and hearty
• Uses basic pantry ingredients
• One-pan chicken + easy stovetop rice
• Great for meal prep
• Family-friendly and budget-friendly

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📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

For the Creamy Gravy

• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Rice

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 ½–4 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp butter
• Pinch of salt

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🍳 Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Season both sides of the chicken generously.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet. Brown chicken on both sides (3–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add butter and onions. Cook until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Make the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the onions. Stir to form a paste.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then add heavy cream, paprika, and poultry seasoning.
Simmer until thick and creamy.

5. Smother the Chicken

Return chicken to the skillet, spooning gravy over the top.
Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

6. Cook the Rice

While the chicken simmers, cook rice in broth/water, butter, and salt until fluffy.

7. Serve

Spoon rice onto plates and top with smothered chicken and plenty of creamy gravy.
Garnish with parsley or black pepper.

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💡 Tips for Perfect Smothered Chicken

• Use thighs if you want extra-juicy, tender chicken.
• Don’t skip the sear—it locks in flavor.
• Make gravy as thick as you like by adding more flour or broth.
• Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost.
• Use evaporated milk for a lighter version that’s still creamy.

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🍽️ What to Serve With It

• Steamed green beans
• Corn on the cob
• Roasted broccoli
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Side salad

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🔄 Variations

Cream of Soup Shortcut

Replace gravy ingredients with:

• 1 can cream of chicken
• 1 can cream of mushroom
• 1 cup broth
  Simmer until creamy.

Spicy Cajun Version

Add 1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning + a dash of hot sauce.

Cheesy Version

Add 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack into the gravy.

Vegetable-Rich Version

Add mushrooms, carrots, celery, or spinach.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

Store up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze chicken and gravy (without rice) up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Warm on stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth/cream to loosen the gravy.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Smothered Chicken & Rice is classic comfort food at its best—warm, creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that feels like a hug on a plate. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or those nights when you want something cozy and delicious.

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