. Best Smothered Chicken and Rice – esrecipes

Best Smothered Chicken and Rice

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My grandma, Nana Betty, believed in three things: good company, a warm hug, and a plate piled high with smothered chicken and rice. Sunday dinners at her house always featured this dish. The whole house would smell of savory broth, perfectly browned chicken, and fluffy rice. It was more than just food; it was a feeling of love, family, and belonging. I’m sharing her recipe with you today, tweaked just a little for modern kitchens, but keeping that essential, soul-warming spirit. This, my friends, is the best smothered chicken and rice you’ll ever taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need comfort food. This recipe delivers that in spades. It’s ridiculously satisfying, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Here’s why you’ll quickly fall in love:

  • Tender, Juicy Chicken: We’re braising the chicken, which means it’ll be fall-off-the-bone tender and brimming with flavor.
  • Rich, Savory Sauce: The gravy is the star! It’s a deep, flavorful mixture of chicken broth, herbs, and spices that coats everything in deliciousness.
  • Fluffy Rice: Forget dry, bland rice. Our rice cooks right in the flavorful broth, absorbing all those wonderful flavors.
  • Easy to Make: Seriously. While it simmers, you can relax or get other things done.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: This is a dish that everyone loves. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this classic comfort dish. Don’t worry, most of it’s pantry staples!

For the Chicken:

  • 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 lbs) – Thighs stay juicier than breasts.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a lovely depth of flavor!)

For the Gravy (Smothering Sauce):

  • 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds umami!)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (like Uncle Ben’s)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to it! Here’s how to make Nana Betty’s famous smothered chicken and rice.

Step 1: Season and Dredge the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, combine the salt and pepper.
  2. Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over the chicken thighs.
  3. Add the flour to a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a lovely crust and thickens the gravy.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and brown for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed. Browning the chicken is important for flavor!
  3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

  1. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – those are flavor gold!
  2. Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Smothering Sauce

  1. Pour in the chicken broth and water.
  2. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce.
  3. Add the bay leaf.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Step 5: Braise the Chicken

  1. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce.
  2. Cover the pot and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.

Step 6: Cook the Rice

  1. After the chicken has simmered for about 30 minutes, stir in the rice and salt. Make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid.
  2. Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed. Don’t lift the lid during this time – you want the steam to cook the rice properly.

Step 7: Thicken the Gravy (Smothering Sauce)

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
  2. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce.
  3. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
  4. Remove the bay leaf.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

Tips for Success:

  • Don’t rush the browning: Browning the chicken really does add a lot of flavor to the recipe.
  • Low and slow: Braising the chicken on low heat is key to tender, juicy results.
  • Check for doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken and rice rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Variations to Try:

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onion for extra nutrients and flavor.
  • Creamy Gravy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
  • Brown Rice: Substitute brown rice for white rice for a healthier option. Note: brown rice will require a longer cooking time.
  • Different Protein: While chicken thighs are perfect, you could adapt this recipe with pork chops or a whole cut-up chicken.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Classic: Serve directly from the pot–Nana Betty would approve!
  • Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Side Dish: It’s pretty much a complete meal on its own, but a simple side salad or steamed green beans would be a nice addition.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Serving Size: 1 cup

  • Calories: 450-550
  • Protein: 30-35g
  • Fat: 20-25g
  • Carbohydrates: 30-35g

Please note: This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

This best smothered chicken and rice recipe is a true taste of home. It’s simple, comforting, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. So gather your ingredients, clear your schedule, and get ready to make a meal that will warm your soul! Don’t be intimidated, give it a try – you won’t regret it! And be sure to share your results – I love hearing from you!

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