Description
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a Southern-style comfort dish made with juicy seared chicken thighs, creamy homemade (or shortcut) gravy, and fluffy seasoned rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday tables, or meal prepping, it’s cozy, easy, and family-approved.
Ingredients
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6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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1 cup long grain white rice (rinsed)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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½ cup milk (optional, for thinning gravy)
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2 tbsp flour
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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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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1 tsp dried thyme
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Optional: fresh parsley, crushed red pepper, mushrooms, bell peppers
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
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Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
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Heat butter and oil in a skillet. Sear chicken on both sides until golden (don’t cook through). Set aside.
2. Make the Gravy
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In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic for 3–4 minutes.
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Add flour and stir for 1–2 minutes.
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Whisk in broth and soup until smooth. Simmer until thickened.
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Stir in milk if needed to loosen the gravy.
3. Simmer the Chicken
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Return chicken to skillet. Spoon gravy on top.
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Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Cook the Rice
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In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of broth and rinsed rice to a boil.
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Lower heat, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes.
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Let sit 5 mins off heat, then fluff with fork.
5. Serve
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Plate rice, top with chicken and a generous scoop of gravy.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or crushed red pepper if desired.
Notes
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Make It Spicier: Add a dash of cayenne or Cajun seasoning.
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Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of cream/milk.
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Storage: Refrigerates well for up to 3 days. Freeze gravy and chicken for up to 2 months.
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Reheating Tip: Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy texture.
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- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 40 min