Experience the comforting embrace of a Southern classic with our Smothered Fried Chicken Over White Rice recipe. Learn how to create this soul-satisfying dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a rich and flavorful smothered gravy, all served atop a bed of fluffy white rice. It’s a heartwarming meal that brings the taste of the South to your table.
Ingredients:
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Smothered Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for optimal flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the dry ingredients well to create the coating mixture.
3. Coat and Fry the Chicken:
- Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off.
- Coat each chicken thigh with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure even coating.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the coated chicken thighs in the hot oil and fry for about 12-15 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the fried chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Smothered Gravy:
- In a separate skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté until they become soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously to create a roux. Cook for a few minutes until it turns golden brown.
5. Add Liquid and Seasoning:
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the gravy thickens.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Smother the Chicken:
- Place the fried chicken thighs into the skillet with the smothered gravy.
- Spoon some of the gravy over the chicken to coat them generously.
7. Serve Over White Rice:
- Serve the Smothered Fried Chicken over a bed of cooked white rice.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
With our Smothered Fried Chicken Over White Rice recipe, you can enjoy the comforting embrace of a Southern classic. Crispy fried chicken is smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy and served atop fluffy white rice in this soul-satisfying dish. Follow our step-by-step instructions to make this hearty meal that evokes the flavors of the South. This dish will warm your heart and please your palate, whether for a family dinner or a special occasion.