Chicken Bog Recipe

Name: Chicken Bog Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds, cut into pieces); 1 pound smoked sausage (sliced); 3 cups long-grain white rice; 1 large onion (diced); 3 celery stalks (chopped); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 2 bay leaves; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Chicken Bog Recipe, a beloved Southern classic that combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked rice in one satisfying dish. This humble yet flavorful meal has been warming hearts and filling bellies for generations across the Carolinas.

What is Chicken Bog Recipe?

Chicken bog is a traditional Southern dish that gets its unique name from its slightly "boggy" or wet consistency. Unlike traditional pilaus or rice dishes, chicken bog maintains a characteristic moisture that makes every bite incredibly tender and flavorful. Popular throughout South Carolina's Lowcountry region, this one-pot wonder is a testament to Southern cooking's ability to transform simple ingredients into something truly special.

Jump to:

What is Chicken Bog Recipe?
Ingredients
Instructions
Storage Instructions
Recipe Variations
Perfect Pairings
Equipment For Chicken Bog Recipe
Top Tip
Grandma's Magic Touch
FAQ
How did your Chicken Bog Recipe turn out?
Related
Pairing
Chicken Bog Recipe

Ingredients

For this classic chicken bog recipe, you'll need:

1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
3 cups long-grain white rice
1 large onion, diced
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
8 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Ingredients

For this classic chicken bog recipe

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken pieces in your Dutch oven
Add 8 cups of chicken broth
Add bay leaves and 1 teaspoon of salt
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender
Remove chicken and let it cool slightly
Strain the broth and reserve it for later use
Once cool enough to handle, remove chicken from bones and shred into bite-sized pieces

Build the Flavor Base

In the same Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat
Add diced onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes)
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute
Stir in sliced smoked sausage and cook until it begins to brown (about 5 minutes)

Combine and Cook

Add the rice to the pot, stirring to coat with the vegetables and fats
Pour in the reserved chicken broth
Add shredded chicken back to the pot
Season with remaining salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low
Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed
Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes
Fluff with a fork before serving

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months
Reheating: Add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to restore moisture

Recipe Variations

Lowcountry Style: Add fresh shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking
Spicy Version: Double the red pepper flakes and add a diced jalapeño
Vegetable-Enhanced: Add diced carrots and bell peppers with the onion and celery
Healthier Option: Use brown rice (adjust cooking time accordingly) and turkey sausage

Perfect Pairings

Serve your chicken bog with:

Fresh collard greens or green beans
Buttermilk cornbread
Simple side salad
Sweet tea (for true Southern style)

Equipment For Chicken Bog Recipe

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Sharp knife for cutting chicken and vegetables
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon for stirring
Fine-mesh strainer

Top Tip

Use long-grain rice for the best texture - it helps achieve that perfect "boggy" consistency without becoming mushy

Don't skip the resting time after cooking - this allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and the flavors to meld

For extra flavor, try using smoked sausage varieties like andouille or kielbasa

Keep the liquid-to-rice ratio slightly higher than traditional rice dishes to achieve the characteristic moisture level

Grandma's Magic Touch

There's something truly special about the way Southern grandmothers make chicken bog. My grandmother always said the secret wasn't in the ingredients – it was in the love and patience you put into each step. She'd spend Sunday afternoons slowly simmering the chicken until it was perfectly tender, carefully skimming the broth to ensure it was crystal clear. Her clever twist? Adding a pat of butter right at the end, gently folding it into the rice to create that signature silky texture that made her chicken bog recipe famous at every family gathering.

"Good chicken bog needs time to tell its story," she'd say while showing me how to check if the rice was cooked just right – not too firm, not too soft, but perfectly "boggy." This recipe carries on her tradition, bringing that same heartwarming comfort to your kitchen. Whether you're making it for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, these time-tested techniques will help you capture that same grandmother's touch that makes Southern cooking so special.

FAQ

Why is chicken bog called chicken bog?

Chicken bog gets its name from its wet, boggy consistency. The rice is cooked until very moist and almost sticky, creating a texture similar to a wetland bog. This South Carolina dish earned its name because the chicken and rice appear to be "bogged down" in the broth, resulting in a consistency between a pilaf and soup.

What is a Carolina bog?

Carolina bog is a traditional Southern dish from South Carolina's Lowcountry region that combines chicken, rice, sausage, and seasonings cooked together in one pot. It's similar to pilau or perlo but wetter in consistency. The dish typically uses long-grain rice, smoked sausage, and whole chicken pieces cooked in rich broth with local seasonings.

What is a bog dinner?

A bog dinner is a communal meal centered around chicken bog, often served at large gatherings or community events in the Carolinas. These dinners traditionally feature a large pot of chicken bog as the main dish, usually accompanied by cornbread, coleslaw, and other Southern sides. It's a popular choice for church suppers, family reunions, and community festivals.

How to cook raw chicken?

To cook raw chicken safely, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Common methods include:
Baking at 375°F for 25-30 minutes for breasts
Pan-searing over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side
Poaching in simmering water for 15-20 minutes
Grilling for 6-8 minutes per side Season before cooking and let rest 5-10 minutes after cooking for juicier meat.

How did your Chicken Bog Recipe turn out?

This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of smoky sausage, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned rice. If you're a fan of hearty Southern dishes and one-pot meals, be sure to try our Creamy Seafood Pasta Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!

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