Description
Hearty Southern Smothered Chicken and Rice delivers comfort straight from Louisiana’s soulful kitchens. Rich gravy-drenched chicken nestles over fluffy rice, promising a satisfying meal that connects you with home-style Southern cooking traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (200 g) white rice
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Transform chicken pieces into a flavor-packed canvas by generously rubbing with a blend of salt, black pepper, and smoky paprika.
- Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat (around 375°F), creating a golden sear on each chicken piece until rich brown crust develops, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer seared chicken to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same skillet’s residual butter and chicken drippings to caramelize diced onions until translucent and softened, then introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for 30-45 seconds.
- Dust the softened aromatics with flour, creating a roux that will thicken the sauce. Slowly stream chicken broth while whisking continuously, then incorporate heavy cream to develop a silky, luxurious consistency.
- Elevate the sauce’s complexity by introducing Italian herb blend, additional paprika, salt, and cracked pepper. Taste and recalibrate seasonings as needed.
- Nestle seared chicken pieces back into the creamy sauce, reducing heat to low and allowing them to simmer and cook through completely, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Simultaneously prepare rice according to package directions, ensuring fluffy and perfectly cooked grains.
- Plate by creating a bed of rice, strategically positioning chicken pieces, and lavishing with the rich, creamy sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and herbaceous finish.
Notes
- Perfectly season chicken by letting it sit with spices for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor penetration.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for richer taste and more tender meat that stays juicy during cooking.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for sauce thickening.
- Reduce calorie content by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and choosing skinless chicken pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 614
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 842 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 114 mg