Savory Southern Smothered Chicken (Printable Version)

Juicy chicken thighs in a smoky gravy with vegetables, paired with steamed long-grain rice.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Protein

01 - 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on

→ Grains

02 - 1 cup long-grain white rice

→ Liquids

03 - 2 cups chicken broth

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 medium onion, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 cup sliced mushrooms
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Fats & Oils

08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Dry Ingredients & Spices

09 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon salt
14 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh parsley, as needed (optional)

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using. Add chicken skin-side down and sear for 5 to 6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook an additional 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle flour evenly over vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute to create a roux.
04 - Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and allow to thicken for 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - Nestle chicken thighs back into the skillet with the gravy. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
06 - Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice and a pinch of salt, stir, cover, and reduce to low heat. Simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
07 - Plate the cooked rice and top with the smothered chicken. Spoon the savory gravy over the top and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - To enhance flavor, allow the chicken to marinate with the spices for 30 minutes before cooking.

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