Best Southern Chicken And Rice Recipe: An Ultimate Delightful And Comforting Classic Family Recipe

Best Southern Chicken And Rice Recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the warmth of Southern cooking into your kitchen. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, providing a hearty meal with tender chicken and flavorful rice cooked together in one pot. The recipe is straightforward for those who want a taste of the South. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, The Best Southern Chicken And Rice Recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients for The Best Southern Chicken And Rice Recipe

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing The Best Southern Chicken And Rice Recipe

1. Brown the Chicken

First, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fresh chicken thighs and brown them on both sides for about 5 minutes. Once browned, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, then add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the fresh garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Seasonings and Rice

Sprinkle the paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir to combine. Add the uncooked rice to the skillet directly and stir for 1-2 minutes. Then, allow the rice to toast and absorb the flavors lightly.

4. Combine with Liquid

Then, stirring well, pour in the diced fresh tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the attractive mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Now get your browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin side up, making sure the chicken is nestled into the rice.

5. Simmer and Cook

Then, cover the skillet with a lid. Let the dish simmer on low heat for about 35-40 minutes. Be careful that the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F).

6. Add Peas (Optional)

If using peas, add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir them into the rice and allow them to cook through.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat once the rice is adequately cooked and the chicken is tender. Garnish with parsley and serve the dish hot.

Serving and Enjoying

To serve The Best Southern Chicken And Rice Recipe, ladle a generous portion of rice onto a plate or into a bowl. Top with a juicy chicken thigh, some flavorful broth, and vegetables. Savor each spoonful of this warm, comforting dish that captures the essence of Southern home cooking.

Here are some Chef’s tips to make your The Best Southern Chicken And Rice Recipe even more flavorful and foolproof

1. Brown the Chicken Well

Ensure the chicken is nicely browned on both sides before simmering. This creates a rich, deep flavor that infuses the rice during cooking. Don’t rush this step; let the chicken get golden and crispy for extra taste.

2. Use Long-Grain Rice

For the best texture, always use long-grain rice. The recipe cooks up fluffy and separate, without becoming mushy, which is key to the perfect The Best Southern Chicken and Rice Recipe.

3. Add a Touch of Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika adds an attractive, subtle, smoky flavor that enhances depth. Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.

4. Don’t Skip the Searing Step

Searing the chicken helps lock in juices and develop a crispy skin. This step ensures the chicken stays tender and moist after simmering the rice.

5. Use Homemade Chicken Broth for Richness

If possible, use homemade chicken broth or low-sodium store-bought broth. Homemade broth will give your dish a richer, more complex flavor than water or canned broth.

6. Simmer on Low Heat

Once you combine the rice, broth, and chicken, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. This slow cooking process ensures the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors while keeping the chicken moist and tender.

7. Don’t Stir Too Much

After adding the rice and broth, avoid stirring the dish too much. Stirring can break the rice and make it sticky. Let the rice cook undisturbed for a fluffy result.

8. Rest Before Serving

Let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the rice to firm up, making it easier to serve and allowing all the flavors to meld together.

9. Add Fresh Herbs for Brightness

A sprinkle of fresh parsley, thyme, or green onions just before serving adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish’s richness.

10. Make It Your Own

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding carrots, celery, or corn. These can be added with the onions and bell pepper to create an even heartier dish.

Following these simple tips will make your Best Southern Chicken and Rice Recipe even more flavorful and impressive. Enjoy cooking!

The nutritional information for The Best Southern Chicken and Rice Recipe can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, but here’s an approximate breakdown for a standard serving (based on a recipe using chicken, rice, broth, and basic seasonings)

Nutrition per serving (approximately 1 cup)

• Calories: 350–400 kcal
• Protein: 30–35 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30–35 grams
  • Fiber: 1–2 grams
  • Sugar: 2–4 grams
• Fat: 12–15 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 3–5 grams
• Cholesterol: 70–80 mg
• Sodium: 400–600 mg (can vary depending on broth or salt added)
• Potassium: 300–400 mg
• Vitamin A: 8–10% of daily value
• Vitamin C: 10–15% of daily value
• Calcium: 4–6% of daily value
• Iron: 10–12% of daily value

Notes

• Protein: The chicken provides a significant amount of protein.
• Carbohydrates: The rice is the primary source of carbohydrates.
• Fat: The amount of fat may be reduced by using skinless chicken and limiting added oil or butter.
• Sodium: Opting for low-sodium broth or making your chicken broth can help reduce sodium content.

This is a general estimation, so if you’d like more precise data, you can input the exact ingredients and quantities into a nutritional calculator for your specific recipe.

Here are some related recipe names that complement The Best Southern Chicken and Rice Recipe

1. Southern Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
2. Cajun Chicken and Rice
3. One-Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole
4. Chicken and Rice Gumbo
5. Southern Chicken and Collard Greens
6. Chicken and Rice Pilaf
7. Baked Chicken with Rice and Veggies
8. Creamy Southern Chicken and Rice Soup
9. Southern-Style Chicken and Rice Skillet
10. Chicken and Rice with Southern Gravy

These recipes are variations of the Southern chicken and rice dish, with different flavor profiles, cooking methods, and regional influences.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Best Southern Chicken and Rice Recipe is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that captures the comforting tastes of Southern cuisine. You can create a hearty meal with some simple ingredients that your whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re absolutely new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this delicious Chicken recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the hearty warmth and satisfaction of each bite of this comforting Best Southern Chicken And Rice Recipe dish.