Smothered Chicken with Rice is a comforting Southern classic that’s perfect for family dinners. Tender chicken thighs are seared to perfection and then simmered in a flavorful gravy until melt-in-your-mouth tender. Served over fluffy rice, this dish is a hearty, satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Medium saucepan (for rice)
Whisk
Mixing spoon

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Rice:

2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Gravy:

In the same skillet, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. Simmer the Chicken:

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

4. Cook the Rice:

While the chicken is simmering, combine the rice, chicken broth, and butter in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

5. Assemble and Serve:

Serve the chicken and gravy over the cooked rice, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

For Crispy Skin: Sear the chicken thoroughly before simmering to get a golden, crispy skin.
Thicker Gravy: Simmer the gravy uncovered for a few minutes to thicken, if needed.
Vegetable Additions: Add mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the gravy for extra flavor.

What to Serve with This Dish

Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots complement this dish well.
Cornbread: A Southern favorite for soaking up the gravy.
Garden Salad: A fresh side to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken? Yes, but adjust the cooking time as it will cook faster.

2. How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the gravy.

3. Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! The flavors deepen when made a day in advance. Just store in the fridge and reheat before serving.

This Smothered Chicken with Rice is a soul-satisfying meal that’s simple to make and bursting with flavor. Perfect for cozy evenings or Sunday dinners!