Description
Southern comfort meets culinary elegance in this smothered chicken and rice masterpiece, promising rich, creamy flavors that dance on your palate. Hearty chicken nestled in velvety sauce over fluffy rice promises a soul-warming meal you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Aromatics and Grains:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace and preheat the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking conditions.
- Thoroughly season chicken thighs with a balanced blend of salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring even coverage on both surfaces.
- Heat olive oil in a robust oven-safe skillet, creating a sizzling environment for searing. Carefully place chicken thighs and develop a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer seared chicken to a temporary holding plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to sauté diced onions until translucent and softened. Introduce minced garlic and allow aromatics to release their fragrant essence for roughly 30 seconds.
- Incorporate rice into the caramelized onion mixture, gently coating each grain. Pour in chicken broth, milk, and sprinkle thyme, parsley, and black pepper. Stir methodically and allow the liquid to reach a gentle simmer.
- Strategically position seared chicken thighs atop the rice mixture, positioning skin-side upward for maximum visual appeal and flavor development.
- Securely cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil to trap moisture and steam.
- Carefully slide the covered skillet into the preheated oven, allowing the dish to bake for 35-40 minutes. Verify rice tenderness and chicken’s internal temperature for complete cooking.
- During the final moments, unveil the skillet and generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the surface. Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes to create a melted, golden cheese topping.
- Remove from oven and let the dish rest momentarily. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Enhance the flavor by marinating chicken thighs in buttermilk or seasoned brine for 2-4 hours before cooking to ensure maximum tenderness and deeper taste profile.
- Swap regular rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier whole grain alternative, adjusting liquid quantities and cooking time accordingly to prevent dryness.
- Create a gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free chicken broth and ensuring all spices are gluten-free certified for those with dietary restrictions.
- For a lighter option, replace whole milk with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk, and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to decrease overall calorie content while maintaining rich flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg