Skip to Content

Southern Style Stewed Chicken and Rice

Stewed Chicken and Rice is a classic dish that’s popular in many cultures around the world. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch.

bowl of stewed chicken and rice

Stewed Chicken and Rice Recipe

When it comes to chicken recipes, there are countless options to choose from. From grilled chicken breast to fast food chicken sandwiches, the possibilities are endless.

However, there is something special about a warm and comforting chicken stew that can’t be beat.

This stewed chicken and rice recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy tender chicken and flavorful rice in one hearty dish.

simple ingredients like 1 pound bone-in chicken thighs.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken: I prefer chicken thighs with this dish or substitute chicken breasts.

Vegetables: Celery, onion, carrots

Chicken broth: Substitute vegetable stock in a pinch.

Rice: Parboiled long grain white rice, like Uncle Ben’s. Don’t use minute rice.

Pantry staples: Butter, salt, black pepper, water.

Looking for more leftover worthy dishes? Follow LTB on Pinterest and pin to a board!

How to Make Stewed Chicken and Rice

First: In a large pot or dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.

Second: Sear or brown both sides of the chicken in the melted butter until golden brown. Add in the diced onions, celery, and carrots to the pot.

Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Third: Reduce the heat to low and add the chicken thighs back into the pot. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Once the chicken is cooked, use tongs to remove it from the pot and place it on a plate to cool slightly. Remove the bones and skin from the chicken and shred the meat.

Fourth: Return the broth mixture to a boil and stir in the shredded chicken and rice. Reduce the heat to low and cook the rice, uncovered, until it is done.

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

pot of stewed chicken and rice

What To Serve with Stewed Chicken and Rice

This recipe may seem like a complete meal with all chicken, veggies, and rice.

But I still like to serve it with some side dishes. A crisp green salad, some roasted veggies like green beans or broccoli, and some bread for soaking up all that sauce are all great choices!

Traditionally a Latin American dish or known as brown chicken stew in South Africa, plantains are often served with it.

spoon of stewed chicken and rice with carrots

How long does it last?

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Stovetop: Add to a saucepan with a splash of water or chicken broth. Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Oven: Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes in a 350F oven or until heated through.

bowl of stewed chicken and rice with spoons

Can I make this ahead of time?

To make it ahead of time, follow the recipe, but stop after shredding the chicken. Allow it to cool down to room temperature.

Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When you’re ready to serve, reheat the stewed chicken and broth on the stove and bring to a boil.

Stir in the rice and finish cooking like in the directions using one of the above methods mentioned earlier.

You may need to add a little extra chicken broth or water to the dish for the rice.

two bowls of stew

Can I freeze it?

Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or airtight freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to use the frozen stewed chicken and rice, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat using one of the methods listed above. The rice may be slightly mushy after thawing but should hold up well.

fork of chicken and rice

What does it mean to stew chicken?

To stew chicken means to cook it slowly in a covered pot with liquid, such as water or broth, along with other ingredients like vegetables, herbs and spices, until the chicken is fully cooked, tender and flavorful.

This method is different from roasting, baking or frying, as it involves cooking the chicken in liquid at a low and steady heat, which helps to keep the meat moist and tender.

It’s perfect for cooking tougher cuts of meats as the slow cooking helps to break them down, making them tender.

Can you cook raw chicken and rice at the same time?

Typically you would not cook them at the same time because the time to get them fully cooked are different.

This recipe is different because the chicken is already cooked before the rice is added.

bowl of stew with spoons and forks

Tips for No Leftovers

  • Be sure to use bone-in chicken thighs or a whole chicken.
  • Substitute olive oil for the butter.
  • Season with salt and pepper before searing.
  • Sear the chicken to brown the outside. This makes it more flavorful!
  • Use high quality chicken stock or vegetable broth.
  • Don’t overcook the rice.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving.
  • Add extra veggies like a bell pepper!
  • Garnish with green onions for a pop of color.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

chicken and rice in a spoon with yellow banner and red text

Much like brown stew chicken, this Southern style stewed chicken and rice is an easy chicken, one pot meal that the whole family will love!

bowl of chicken and rice on a cutting board

Stewed Chicken and Rice Recipe

This one pot stewed chicken and rice is a delicious and comforting food perfect for a weeknight meal.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 482kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs with bone and skin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 cups long grain rice

Instructions

  • In a large pot of dutch oven, melt the butter.
  • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  • Sear/brown both sides in the melted butter.
  • Add in the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes or until the veggies start to soften.
  • Stir in the broth and water.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and cook 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp is 165F)
  • With tongs, remove the chicken thighs to a plate and let cool slightly. Remove the bones and skin. Shred the meat.
  • Return the broth mixture to a boil.
  • Stir in the shredded chicken and rice.
  • Reduce heat to low and cook, uncovered, the rice is done (the water level will drop below the surface of the rice slightly.
  • Season with salt and pepper if desired.
  • Enjoy warm!

Notes

  • Be sure to use bone-in chicken thighs or a whole chicken.
  • Substitute olive oil for the butter.
  • Season with salt and pepper before searing.
  • Sear the chicken to brown the outside. This makes it more flavorful!
  • Use high quality chicken stock or vegetable broth.
  • Don’t overcook the rice.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving.
  • Add extra veggies like a bell pepper!
  • Garnish with green onions for a pop of color.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 482kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 217mg | Sodium: 1318mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g

LeftoversThenBreakfast.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encourages and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Crack Green Beans Story Chicken Macaroni Salad Story