Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe (Print Version)
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice with tender chicken, rich gravy, and fluffy rice. One-pan comfort food that feeds the family perfectly.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Southern
Dietary: Contains dairy, gluten
# Ingredients:
→ Base Proteins
01 -
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
02 -
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ Creamy Gravy Components
03 -
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
04 -
3 cups chicken broth
05 -
1 cup heavy cream
06 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
→ Rice & Seasonings
07 -
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
08 -
1 teaspoon salt
09 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 -
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
→ Finishing Touches
11 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
12 -
1 bay leaf (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat chicken thighs completely dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes, then flip and brown 3-4 minutes more. Remove to plate.
02 -
Add diced onion to same pan with drippings. Cook 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
03 -
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to simmer and cook 3-4 minutes until thickened. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
04 -
Stir uncooked rice into creamy mixture until well combined. Nestle browned chicken thighs back in skin-side up, making sure rice is mostly submerged in liquid.
05 -
Bring to gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook 25-30 minutes without lifting lid, until rice is tender and has absorbed most liquid.
06 -
Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes to allow rice to finish absorbing liquid. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while creamy and hot.
# Notes:
01 -
Always dry chicken completely before browning for crispy skin and better flavor.
02 -
This keeps 4 days in the fridge and reheats beautifully with a splash of extra broth.
03 -
Boneless thighs work too, just reduce cooking time to 20 minutes total.
04 -
Serve with crusty bread for soaking up that incredible creamy gravy.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 -
whisk
03 -
tongs
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 485
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 32g
Protein: 35g