With our delectable Southern Chicken and Rice recipe, we’ll be delving into the heart and soul of Southern cooking. This popular recipe blends succulent chicken thighs with aromatic veggies and a seasoning combination to create a cozy and fulfilling supper that will transport you to the South.
Join us as we go over how to make this Southern delicacy, which will become a family favorite.
Southern Chicken and Rice Recipe with Cream of Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Skinless Chicken Thighs (can be boneless or any other cut of chicken)
- 1/4 cup Vegetable or Canola Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion, Chopped or Processed
- 1 Small Bell Pepper, Chopped or Processed
- 1 stalk Celery, Chopped or Processed
- 1 tsp Badia Complete Seasoning
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 heaping tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream
Chicken seasonings:
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 heaping tbsp Seasoned Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
Instructions
- To begin, season the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix thoroughly to make a delicious marinade.
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and drop them in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well covered. Allow at least 30 minutes for the flavors to develop on the chicken.
- Heat the vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt.
- In the skillet, combine the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are soft and faintly browned.
- To combine the flavors, sprinkle the Badia Complete Seasoning over the sautéed vegetables.
- Allow the marinated chicken pieces to brown for a few minutes on each side in the skillet.
- Bring the chicken broth and water to a simmer in a saucepan. Cook, covered, for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Whisk together the cornstarch and a tiny quantity of water in a separate bowl until a homogeneous paste forms. Pour this mixture into the simmering liquid, stirring constantly to thicken the sauce.
- For a creamy texture, add the heavy whipping cream to the skillet. Enable the meal to boil for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- While the chicken and sauce boil, cook the rice according to package directions. This dish works best with long-grain white rice or basmati rice, but you can use whichever you choose.
- When the rice is done, fluff it with a fork lightly. Serve a big piece of the Southern Chicken and Sauce over a bed of rice to enable the flavors to mingle.
Frequently Asked Questions about my southern chicken and rice recipe
Let’s now answer a few valuable questions related to this delicious dish.
What is rice with chicken called?
In several culinary traditions, rice with chicken is called “Chicken and Rice” or “Chicken Rice.” It is a versatile and popular dish that is served in a variety of ways across countries.
Do you cook rice before adding it to soup?
It is usually suggested to pre-cook the rice separately before adding it to the broth when adding rice to the soup. Pre-cooking the rice facilitates consistent cooking and prevents it from collecting too much liquid from the soup, resulting in a superior texture.
What to eat with chicken and rice?
Chicken and rice go nicely with a wide range of side dishes. Some popular side dishes are steamed veggies, roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or cornbread. These side dishes provide a welcome contrast and extra taste to the hearty chicken and rice combination.
What spices to put in rice?
Several spices and herbs can be used to enhance the flavor of rice. Garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves are popular. Experiment with various combinations to suit your tastes and the general theme of your cuisine.
How to make rice tasty?
To add flavor to rice, cook it in broth rather than plain water. Using chicken or vegetable broth gives the rice depth and richness. In addition, aromatics such as garlic, onion, or ginger added to the cooking liquid can infuse the rice with delightful flavors. Seasoning the rice with spices and herbs can improve its flavor.
What is best to Flavour rice?
Rice is best flavored with broth, spices, herbs, and aromatics. Broth imparts a savory flavor, while spices and herbs offer variety and depth. Aromatics such as garlic, onion, and ginger impart various aromas to the rice, resulting in a fragrant and tasty dish.
Can I put paprika in rice?
Yes, paprika can be mixed into rice. Paprika enhances the overall flavor of the rice by adding a moderately smoky and slightly sweet taste. It also adds a rich red color to the meal, making it more visually appealing. Experiment with different types of paprika to find your desired flavor profile, such as sweet, smoked, or fiery.
Is chicken and rice healthy for you?
Chicken and rice can be a healthy alternative when prepared with good ingredients and balanced servings. Skinless chicken thighs are a superb source of lean protein, while rice is a carbohydrate-rich staple grain. Incorporating veggies and cooking with minimal oil might improve the dish even more.
Limiting serving quantities and choosing whole-grain rice variants for increased fiber and nutrients is critical. Changing the flavors and cooking methods can also help control sodium and fat content. Chicken and rice can contribute to a well-rounded diet by providing a balanced meal with various nutrients.
Can I eat rice every day?
Eating rice daily can be part of a healthy diet, especially if you choose whole-grain kinds. Rice is a staple diet in many countries and contains carbs, an essential energy source. Compared to refined white rice, whole-grain rice, such as brown rice or wild rice, includes more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To guarantee a well-rounded diet, however, practicing portion control and balancing rice consumption with other foods is critical. Combining proteins, vegetables, fruits, and other whole grains with rice can give a varied range of nutrients while also promoting overall health.
Since you’ve enjoyed this Southern Chicken and Rice Recipe, feel free to check out other recipes to your taste:
| Dish | Why should you try it |
| Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe with Thick Sauce | Tender chicken in a luxuriously thickened sweet and tart lemon sauce. With this restaurant-quality dish, you can enjoy the pleasures of Chinese food at home. |
| Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese Recipe From Scratch | It’s a taste of tradition you can make in your own home, whether for sandwiches, crackers, or dipping. |