Recipes

Southern Smothered Chicken & Rice

by StudioLink Recipe.
July 14, 2026
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Made by Curtis

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Southern Smothered Chicken & Rice is the definition of Southern comfort food. Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken is browned until golden, then slowly simmered in a rich homemade onion gravy until fork tender before being served over fluffy rice for an unforgettable family dinner.

Ingredients:

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For the Chicken and Seasoning
  •   1 lb skinless chicken thighs
  •   1 tsp salt
  •   1 tso Cajun seasoning
  •   1 tbsp onion powder
  •   1 tsp poultry seasoning
  •   1 tbsp garlic powder
  •   1 tsp smoked paprika
  •   1/4 cup vegetable oil (for browning)
 
For Aromatics
  •   1 medium onion (chopped)
  •   1 cup fresh celery (chopped)
  •   2 tsp garlic (minced)
 
For the Gravy
  •   3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  •   2 cups chicken broth
  •   1 cup whole milk
 
  •   1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  •   3 cups water (or chicken broth)
  •   1/2 tsp salt
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Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Directions

  1. Pat the CHICKEN THIGHS dry.
  2. Combine the SALT, CAJUN SEASONING, ONION POWDER, POULTRY SEASONING, GARLIC POWDER, and SMOKED PAPRIKA. Coat the chicken thoroughly.
  3. Heat the VEGETABLE OIL in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden. It does not need to be fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  5. Add the ONION and CELERY to the skillet. Cook for about 2 MINUTES.
  6. Stir in the GARLIC and cook for 1 MINUTE.
  7. Sprinkle the FLOUR over the vegetables and cook for about 1 MINUTE while stirring to form a roux.
  8. Slowly whisk in the CHICKEN BROTH until smooth.
  9. Cook for about 2 MINUTES, then stir in the WHOLE MILK.
  10. Continue cooking until the gravy thickens slightly.
  11. Return the browned CHICKEN to the skillet, coating each piece with gravy.
  12. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 30–35 MINUTES, turning occasionally.
  13. Meanwhile, cook the RICE by bringing the WATER OR CHICKEN BROTH and SALT to a boil. Stir in the rice, cover, reduce to low, and cook for 18 MINUTES.
  14. Spoon the smothered chicken and rich gravy over the fluffy rice and serve immediately.


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