Description
A comforting one-pot dish featuring seasoned chicken simmered in a creamy, savory gravy with rice and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken thighs or legs (bone-in, skin-on recommended)
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- Seasonings: 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt, cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- Optional: chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or celery
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions
- Season & Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add onions, garlic, and optional vegetables. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle in flour (or stir in cornstarch slurry). Cook for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring, then add the cream or milk. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice and bay leaves. Let it come to a gentle simmer.
- Smother & Cook: Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover with a lid and cook on low for 30–40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, use homemade chicken stock and add a splash of white wine to the gravy. This dish reheats well and can be made ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 130mg