Smothered Chicken and Rice

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### How to Make Smothered Chicken and Rice

#### Step 1: Cook the Chicken
1. **Season the Chicken**: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated.
2. **Sear the Chicken**: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds flavor and locks in the juices.
3. **Remove the Chicken**: Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. You’ll use the same skillet to make the gravy.

#### Step 2: Make the Gravy
1. **Cook the Onions and Garlic**: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic. Cook them over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
2. **Add Flour**: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Let it cook for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
3. **Add Chicken Broth**: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Add Worcestershire sauce and the bay leaf.
4. **Simmer the Gravy**: Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens. If you prefer a creamier gravy, stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

#### Step 3: Cook the Rice
1. **Prepare the Rice**: While the gravy simmers, cook the rice. In a separate saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
2. **Fluff the Rice**: Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.

#### Step 4: Combine and Simmer
1. **Add the Chicken Back**: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet with the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the chicken and cover the pan. Let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
2. **Serve**: Spoon the cooked rice onto plates and top it with the smothered chicken and gravy. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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### Tips for the Perfect Smothered Chicken and Rice
– **Chicken Thighs for Tenderness**: Using bone-in chicken thighs helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful. They also stay tender during the simmering process, which is key to this dish.
– **Customizable Gravy**: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor and texture.
– **Add Spice**: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy for a subtle kick.
– **Make It a One-Pot Dish**: You can cook the rice directly in the same skillet as the chicken and gravy for a true one-pot meal. Simply add the rice and broth after the chicken is done, cover, and let it cook until the rice is tender and the flavors meld.

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### Why You’ll Love Smothered Chicken and Rice

1. **Comforting and Hearty**: This dish is the perfect comfort food, offering warm, satisfying flavors with tender chicken and rich gravy.
2. **Easy to Make**: With simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step process, this recipe is great for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs.
3. **Great for Meal Prep**: Smothered Chicken and Rice reheats wonderfully, making it an excellent choice for leftovers or meal prep for the week.
4. **Customizable**: You can easily adapt this dish to your preferences by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your tastes.

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### Conclusion

**Smothered Chicken and Rice** is the ultimate comfort food that’s full of flavor, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to please everyone at the dinner table. With its tender chicken, rich gravy, and fluffy rice, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit!