**For the rice and gravy:**

* 1 cup long grain white rice
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
* 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
* ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional for a creamier texture)
* 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening, optional)
* Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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### 🍽️ How to Make It

1. **Season and sear the chicken:**
Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat oil or butter in a skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

2. **Sauté aromatics:**
In the same pan, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and slightly translucent.

3. **Build the base:**
Stir in the rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes. This adds a nutty depth of flavor.

4. **Add liquid:**
Pour in the chicken broth (and cream, if using). Stir to combine. Nestle the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.

5. **Simmer and smother:**
Cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. For oven baking: cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes.

6. **Optional gravy thickening:**
For extra richness, mix a bit of flour with water to form a slurry and stir into the liquid during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

7. **Garnish and serve:**
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!

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### 👩‍🍳 Tips & Variations

* Use **brown rice or wild rice** — just adjust cooking time accordingly.
* Add chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
* Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or a few red pepper flakes.
* Make it creamy by adding a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese at the end.

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### Final Thoughts

**Smothered Chicken and Rice** is the kind of meal that makes a house feel like home. It’s warm, filling, and layered with flavors that develop beautifully in just one pan. Whether you’re making it on a busy weeknight or for a cozy Sunday dinner, it’s the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style.

Serve it straight from the skillet, and watch it disappear — down to the last spoonful.

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Would you like a printable version of this recipe or suggestions for side dishes to go with it?