Smothered Chicken and Rice

A comforting, family-style meal featuring tender chicken, creamy rice, and a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for a hearty dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Smothered Gravy

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil.
3. Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. In the same skillet, melt butter.
2. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute.
5. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
6. Add heavy cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
7. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the gravy thickens.

Step 4: Smother the Chicken

1. Return the chicken to the skillet.
2. Spoon the gravy over the chicken.
3. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve

1. Spoon fluffy rice onto serving plates.
2. Place a piece of chicken over the rice.
3. Generously ladle the creamy gravy on top.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips

• Use chicken thighs for extra juicy, flavorful results.
• Add sliced mushrooms for a richer gravy.
• For a Southern-style version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4–6