Go Back

Smothered Chicken with Rice

A comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs baked atop creamy rice simmered in rich broth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
  • measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • cutting board
  • knife

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Can substitute with boneless if preferred.
  • to taste Salt For seasoning the chicken and rice.
  • to taste Black pepper For seasoning the chicken and rice.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Adds flavor and color to the chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil For searing the chicken.
  • 1 cup Long-grain rice Uncooked.
  • 1 small Onion Diced.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1.5 cups Chicken broth For cooking the rice.
  • 1 cup Milk Or heavy cream for a richer sauce.
  • 0.5 cup Shredded cheddar cheese For topping the dish.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme For flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried parsley For flavor.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper For flavor.
  • to taste Chopped fresh parsley Optional, for garnish.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it gets coated with the onion and garlic mixture.
  • Pour in chicken broth and milk. Add thyme, parsley, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up. Cover the skillet and transfer to the oven. Bake for 35–40 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and rice. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

This dish is versatile; feel free to add vegetables or substitute proteins as desired.
Keyword comfort food, One-Pan Meal, Smothered Chicken