Description
Creamy smothered chicken and rice made with tender chicken thighs, fluffy rice, caramelized onions, and savory homemade gravy. This comforting one-pan dinner is rich, cozy, and perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken thighs for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook until soft and lightly caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring until a smooth gravy forms.
- Stir in the heavy cream and add the rice.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture.
- Cover tightly and simmer on low heat for 25 to 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
- Do not lift the lid while the rice cooks to keep the steam trapped inside.
- Add a splash of extra broth when reheating leftovers for a creamy texture.
- Fresh parsley brightens the rich gravy beautifully before serving.
- For extra flavor, let the onions caramelize slowly before adding the broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: smothered chicken and rice, creamy chicken and rice, southern chicken recipe, comfort food dinner, easy chicken dinner, one pan chicken recipe, cozy dinner recipe