Comforting Southern Chicken and Rice Stew (Chicken Bog) Recipe
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Bringing Back the South
Growing up in the South, there were certain dishes that just felt like home, and Chicken Bog was one of them. I can still remember the first time I helped my grandmother make this comforting stew. It was a chilly Saturday afternoon, and I was no more than ten years old, eager to learn her secrets in the kitchen. The house was filled with the warmth of the stove and the savory aroma of simmering chicken, onions, and sausage.
My grandmother’s kitchen was the heart of her home, and Chicken Bog was the heart of her kitchen. It was a dish she made when the family needed a little extra comfort, or when friends came over unexpectedly and she wanted to serve something filling and delicious. There was something almost magical about how simple ingredients like chicken, rice, and sausage could come together to create a meal that was not only satisfying but also full of rich, layered flavors.
How to Make Chicken Bog At Home
Over the years, I’ve tweaked her recipe a bit to suit my own taste, adding a touch of Italian seasoning and sometimes throwing in extra veggies like carrots or celery. But no matter how much I change it, the essence of that first pot of Chicken Bog remains the same. It’s a dish that brings people together, that warms you from the inside out, and that reminds me of the power of good, honest food.
Whenever I make this dish now, I think of those afternoons with my grandmother, her hands deftly chopping onions and stirring the pot while she told stories about the “old days.” Making Chicken Bog is more than just cooking; it’s a way of connecting with my roots and passing on a bit of that Southern comfort to my own family. So, I hope this recipe brings you the same warmth and sense of home that it has brought me over the years.
Chef’s Notes – Southern Chicken and Rice Stew (Chicken Bog)
- Browning the Sausage: For an extra depth of flavor, brown the sausage slices in the pot before simmering the chicken. This adds a slight caramelization that enhances the overall taste.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or even bell peppers for more texture and nutrition. Sauté them with the onions for a richer flavor.
- Rice Selection: Long-grain white rice is traditional, but you can experiment with other types, like jasmine or basmati, for a slightly different texture.
- Serving Suggestions: This stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a simple green salad. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can also brighten up the flavors. Try this with out Cheesy Cornbread or its classic version.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the stew thickens too much upon reheating, simply add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Southern Chicken and Rice Stew
4
servings20
minutes1
hour45
minutes450
kcal10
minutes2
hours15
minutesDive into the heart of Southern comfort with this Chicken and Rice Stew! Packed with tender chicken, savory sausage, and aromatic rice, this dish is a Lowcountry classic from South Carolina. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a hearty meal to lift your spirits. This easy-to-follow recipe will have you serving up a bowl of warmth and flavor in no time!
Ingredients
6 cups water
1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon sea salt
3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 pound smoked sausage (your choice), sliced into rounds
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons Italian herb blend
Directions
- Preparing the Base – In a large pot over medium heat, combine water, whole chicken, chopped onion, and sea salt. Bring to a boil.
- Simmering the Chicken – Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender (about 1 hour). Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F using an instant-read thermometer.
- Cooling and Skimming – Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Skim off any fat from the cooking liquid.
Measure out 3 1/2 cups of the cooking liquid and pour it into a 6-quart saucepan. Discard any remaining liquid. - Preparing the Chicken – Remove and discard the skin and bones from the cooled chicken. Chop the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Combining Ingredients – Add the chopped chicken to the saucepan with the measured cooking liquid. Stir in the sliced smoked sausage, long-grain white rice, Italian herb blend, and chicken bouillon cubes.
- Cooking the Stew – Set the saucepan over medium-low heat and cook for about 30 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and continue cooking for an additional 10-20 minutes until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- large pot
- instant read thermometer
- saucepan
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 3mg
Ultimate Weekend Cornbread
Cooks in 60 minutesDifficulty: EasyDive into the ultimate weekend treat with this moist, flavorful cornbread! Packed with fresh corn kernels, smoky bacon, and a hint of ranch seasoning, this cornbread is perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or a Sunday brunch, this recipe is sure to impress. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this cornbread will become a staple in your kitchen!
Slow Cooker Cheesy Cornbread
Cooks in 210 minutesDifficulty: EasyDive into this creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious slow cooker cornbread! Packed with corn kernels, chive-flavored cream cheese, and a blend of four cheeses, this dish is perfect for any holiday menu or family gathering. It’s easy to prepare and cooks to perfection in your slow cooker, making it a stress-free addition to your meal planning. Don’t miss out on this crowd-pleaser!
FAQs – Southern Chicken and Rice Stew (Chicken Bog)
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, but using a whole chicken adds more flavor to the broth. If using chicken breasts, consider adding chicken thighs for extra richness.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Keep an eye on the cooking time. Start checking the rice after about 20 minutes, and adjust the heat as necessary to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken Bog tastes even better the next day. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.
What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Smoked sausage like Andouille or Kielbasa works great, but you can use any sausage you prefer, including turkey or plant-based options.
