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Smothered Chicken and Rice

Golden, juicy chicken smothered in a silky onion-garlic cream gravy, poured over fluffy rice. A cozy, budget-friendly comfort food classic.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
    • For the Chicken:
    • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 2 large breasts, halved)
    • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tsp onion powder
    • Salt & black pepper, to taste

 

    • For the Gravy:
    • 1 small onion, finely diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for GF)
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
    • 1 tsp dried thyme
    • 1 tsp poultry seasoning (optional)
    • 2 tbsp butter
    • Salt & pepper, to taste

 

  • For the Rice:
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for fluffing)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, add butter and sauté onions until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over onions, stir well, and cook 1–2 minutes.
  3. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then add cream, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened. Season to taste.
  4. Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp).
  5. Fluff warm rice with butter. Spoon gravy and chicken over rice, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for pork chops or turkey cutlets.
  • Add mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
  • Use evaporated milk for a lighter but still creamy gravy.
  • Serve with green beans, cornbread, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
  • Make extra gravy—you’ll want every bite of rice drenched in it!
  • Author: Selena Trump
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pan-Seared & Stovetop Simmer
  • Cuisine: Southern-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 175mg

Keywords: smothered chicken, chicken and rice, creamy gravy, comfort food