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Smothered Chicken Rice

Home cook, taken with iPhone 13. Close-up slight angle of comforting smothered chicken rice on white plate. Hearty comforting --ar 4:3 --style raw --s 250

Smothered Chicken Rice is a comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, savory gravy served over fluffy white rice, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer to thicken.
  5. Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thickened.
  6. Meanwhile, cook the rice separately according to package instructions.
  7. Serve the smothered chicken and gravy over the cooked rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.