This old-fashioned Southern chicken and rice recipe is pure comfort food that warms the soul. The slow-cooked chicken and rice are reminiscent of the comfort food my elders used to make. Unlike other dishes, this recipe isn’t Creamy Chicken and Rice or Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice. These are delicious but different. The flavor here comes from the way you cook it, not from what you toss into a casserole dish.

Packed with flavor, it's perfect for a cool fall or cold winter day, delivering that magic taste that delights your testbeds. The time and care put into this low and slow cooking method make it truly special, giving you that warm, hearty feeling of comfort that’s just right for those chilly days.

Why I Love This Recipe

Southern chicken and rice is a family favorite in my home. It's made with simple ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store. This dish is perfect for busy evenings because it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is easy. Plus, it's high in protein and balanced with carbs from the rice, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

This simple comfort food is easy to work into your dinner rotation. All you’ll need is a green vegetable on the side to turn this into a complete meal. Whether you're a novice cook or an experienced chef, this dish fits seamlessly into your routine.

Here are some reasons why this recipe is a must-try:

• Made with simple ingredients you can find easily.
• A one-pot meal, so cleanup is easy.
• High in protein and balanced with carbs.
• Simple comfort food that fits into your dinner rotation.
• All you’ll need is a green vegetable for a complete meal.

This recipe brings together the best of southern cooking with minimal effort. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, southern chicken and rice always hits the spot.

What Type Of Chicken Should You Use?

When making this recipe, the choice between bone-in and boneless chicken is important. Bone-in chicken offers more flavor but takes longer to cook and is harder to shred. For simplicity, I prefer using boneless skinless chicken thighs. However, you can swap to bone-in thighs if you prefer; just be prepared to saute them for a considerably longer time. This makes the recipes on this site much easier to follow and enjoy.

Ingredients:(4 Servings)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method:

Preparation:

• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Cooking:

• In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.

• In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.

• Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes, coating the rice with the oil and vegetables.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
• Place the chicken breasts back into the pot, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.

• Add the frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Resting:

• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Additional Info About Southern Chicken and Rice

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Southern Chicken and Rice.

Health Benefits:

• Chicken: High in protein, helps in muscle building and repair.
• Rice: Good source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Vegetables: Provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Notes:

• Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Use brown rice for a healthier option.

Nutrition (Per serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 12g

Equipment:

• Large pot,
• cutting board
• knife
• stirring spoon

Serving Suggestions

When I prepare Southern chicken and rice, it's always a hit. I serve it with additional vegetables and homemade gravy for added flavor. It's great with collard greens, making for a delightful and well-rounded dinner.

Storing And Freezing

For your Southern chicken and rice recipe, here are some simple tips on storing and freezing leftovers:

• Place the cooled leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, transfer the food to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw the food in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat before serving to enjoy the same great taste.

Cooking Time for Chicken

For a delicious southern chicken and rice recipe, understanding how long to boil your chicken is essential. Whether you opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, the ideal cooking time is about 10 to 15 minutes. This amount of time can vary based on the size of the piece of meat, but it's crucial to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F.

If you prefer using bone-in chicken, expect it to take noticeably longer to boil. In my experience with making dishes like bang bang chicken bowls, always measuring the temperature helps achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Ensuring your meat is properly cooked guarantees a tasty and safe meal every time.

Recipe Tips

When preparing a southern chicken and rice recipe, follow these recipe tips to make sure everything turns out perfectly.

• Cut the chicken into similarly sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. This step is crucial to avoid having some pieces overcooked while others are undercooked.
• Make sure your vegetables are diced small and in evenly sized pieces. This not only helps them cook evenly but also gives a nice texture to the dish.
• Check the cooking time for the type of rice you use. For instance, if you use basmati rice, the cooking time is about 20 minutes. However, brown rice or other varieties may require more or less time. Adjust the cooking time based on the rice variety you choose.
• After cooking, let the pan sit, covered and off the heat, for about 10 minutes. This helps in making the rice fluffier by allowing the steam to redistribute.
• For an interesting twist, consider adding your dish to bang bang chicken bowls. The combination of flavors can add a new dimension to your meal.

By following these tips, your southern chicken and rice recipe will be a hit. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Recipe Variations

When making a southern chicken and rice recipe, try these variations to keep it interesting:

• Swap chicken for beef tips or ground meat. This adds a hearty twist.
• Add diced carrots, onions, and celery for a sweet flavor and extra vegetables.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier base.
• Mix half butter and half olive oil for cooking. This combination enhances the flavor.
• If you love garlic, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or minced cloves to the recipe.
• Enhance the taste with your favorite herbs and spices like thyme and rosemary for a delicious herbed touch.
• Turn the dish into a casserole by following the recipe steps and adding cream of chicken soup. Pour the mixture into a greased dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until done.

What is Southern Chicken?

Southern chicken features seasoned, coated chicken pieces that are pan-fried, deep fried, pressure fried, or air fried, creating a crisp crust that keeps the meat juicy. The key is how well the breading sticks to the chicken and seals in the juices, delivering a crunchy and tender bite that embodies Southern cooking.

What makes chicken and rice taste better?

For a delicious southern chicken and rice recipe, use fresh ingredients. Opt for freshly chopped onion and garlic instead of dried versions. The flavors of chopped yellow onion or shallot, combined with pressed or minced garlic cloves, elevate the dish and make it truly irresistible.

How to give chicken and rice flavor?

For incredible flavor, mix paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken thighs, cook in oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, for a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish.

What sauce is good with chicken and rice?

A creamy, garlic-infused sauce elevates southern chicken and rice, combining bold flavors with a smooth, savory texture for enhanced deliciousness.