Description
Succulent Southern Smothered Chicken and Rice beckons comfort seekers with its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken nestled over fluffy rice. Home cooks will savor this hearty one-pot wonder that promises delicious satisfaction in every comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into chunks
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning thoroughly with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring even coverage across all pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Sear chicken pieces for 5 minutes, rotating to create a golden-brown exterior on all sides, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and sauté diced onions until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a rich, creamy base.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, thyme, and cayenne pepper, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and slightly thicken for 3-4 minutes, developing a robust flavor profile.
- Carefully return seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Cover and let the chicken gently cook in the sauce for 10-15 minutes at medium-low heat, ensuring thorough cooking and sauce reduction.
- Plate the smothered chicken over fluffy white rice, ensuring each serving receives ample sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in buttermilk or yogurt for 2-3 hours before cooking to ensure tenderness and deeper taste profiles.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy consistency while adding subtle tropical notes.
- Reduce cayenne pepper for milder versions or substitute with smoked paprika to provide depth without intense heat for sensitive palates.
- Toast rice briefly in butter before adding liquid to develop nutty undertones and prevent clumping, creating more complex and aromatic rice foundation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg