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Easy Creamy Southern Smothered Chicken and Rice

Close-up of a perfectly cooked piece of smothered chicken and rice topped with rich, creamy brown gravy.
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Make tender chicken breasts in a rich, creamy gravy served over fluffy white rice. This is a simple, one-pan comfort food dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half
  • 4 cups cooked white rice
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Then, whisk in the milk or half-and-half. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring until it thickens into a gravy.
  6. Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  7. Taste the gravy and add salt if needed.
  8. Serve each smothered chicken breast over 1 cup of the cooked white rice. Spoon extra gravy over the chicken and rice.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust cooking time as needed.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • You can cook the rice separately while the chicken simmers to keep this recipe quick.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/smothered-chicken-and-rice-recipe/