This Smothered Chicken and Rice is a soulful, homestyle dish where seasoned chicken is browned, then slow-simmered in a savory onion gravy and cooked together with rice. Cozy, filling, and perfect for family dinners.
⏱ Prep Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 45 minutes
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Total: ~1 hour
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Servings: 4–6
🍳 Ingredients
Chicken
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6 bone-in chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)
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2 tbsp oil
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
Gravy & Rice
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1 large onion, thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2½ cups chicken broth
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1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
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½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
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½ tsp poultry seasoning (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Season & Brown Chicken
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
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Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
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Brown chicken on both sides until golden (about 4–5 minutes per side).
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Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Gravy
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In the same pan, add sliced onion. Sauté until soft and lightly golden.
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Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1 minute.
3. Add Liquid
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Slowly whisk in chicken broth.
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Add thyme and poultry seasoning.
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Simmer until slightly thickened.
4. Add Rice & Chicken
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Stir rice into the gravy.
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Nestle chicken pieces back into the pan.
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Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer
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Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 30–35 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
6. Rest & Serve
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
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Spoon gravy over chicken and rice.
🍽 Texture & Flavor
✔ Tender, juicy chicken
✔ Creamy, savory gravy
✔ Perfectly cooked rice
✔ Deep comfort-food taste
⭐ Tips & Variations
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Extra creamy: Add ¼ cup cream at the end
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Mushroom version: Add sliced mushrooms with onions
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Boneless option: Reduce cook time by 10 minutes
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Spicy: Add cayenne or hot sauce
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Oven method: Bake covered at 180°C (350°F) for 45 minutes
📊 Nutrition (Approx per serving)
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Calories: 430
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Protein: 28g
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Carbs: 38g
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Fat: 18g
