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Smothered Chicken & Rice

Smothered Chicken & Rice
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Easy Smothered Chicken & Rice is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy gravy paired with fluffy, flavorful white rice. This family-friendly dish uses simple pantry staples, delivers ultimate comfort food vibes, and can be easily customized with herbs, spices, or vegetables for a hearty meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup white long-grain rice (rinsed)

Aromatics and Seasoning

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cooking and Thickening

  • 2 cups chicken broth (plus more if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season and Brown the Chicken: Pat the boneless chicken thighs dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, locking in juices and creating a flavorful crust. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Create the Gravy Base: Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps and thicken the gravy.
  4. Combine Chicken and Rice: Return browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the gravy. Evenly distribute the rinsed white rice around the chicken. Add additional chicken broth if needed to cover the rice. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Cook Until Tender: Reduce heat to low and cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 20-25 minutes without lifting the lid, until rice is fully cooked and chicken is tender and cooked through.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better browning.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution.
  • Take your time cooking the roux to avoid raw flour flavor.
  • Cover the skillet tightly to trap steam for perfectly cooked rice.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes off heat before serving to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, one pot meal, easy dinner, creamy gravy, family friendly

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/smothered-chicken-rice/