Description
Comfort meets Southern charm in this hearty smothered chicken and rice dish, where tender chicken nestles atop fluffy rice, blanketed by a rich, creamy gravy. Home cooks savor each spoonful of this soul-warming classic that brings pure deliciousness to the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 lb chicken thighs
Side Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal environment for a tender, flavorful chicken and rice casserole.
- Season chicken breasts and thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the aromatic spice blend.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the seasoned chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside, then in the same pan, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, releasing their rich, savory essence.
- Add rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with the onion and garlic mixture, allowing the grains to toast slightly and develop a nutty flavor.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine and create a luscious, creamy base for the rice.
- Transfer the rice mixture to a large baking dish, arranging the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice in a single layer.
- Dot the surface with butter, which will melt and infuse the dish with a rich, silky texture.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and absorbing all the flavorful liquids.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Serve hot, allowing the creamy rice and succulent chicken to be the star of this comforting one-pan meal.
Notes
- Chicken Selection Matters: Choose bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for deeper flavor and juicier meat that stays tender during baking.
- Spice Flexibility: Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning or Italian herbs to customize the dish’s flavor profile and match personal preferences.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the dish’s creamy, comforting essence while reducing overall calories.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and creating a convenient make-ahead meal option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg