Low Country Chicken Bog

CHICKEN BOG IS NOT A LOVELY DISH and it has an even less lovely name. Once you get past those factors, you will find a delicious and oh so comforting recipe for chicken and rice. It is rather like a pilaf or pilau but boggier and not fluffy at all. I really think the texture is reminiscent of a risotto. The rice is very creamy and the chicken is moist, tender, and flavorful.

Chicken bog is an old favorite in low country regions where rice is grown. It originates from the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, the lower watershed of the Pee Dee River, which was named for the Native American tribe that formerly occupied the area.   

This has been especially warming for us as we struggle with the arctic blast which has us in its grip. We are not used to cold temperatures like we are having, for such a length of time. Brrr!

Chicken Bog
1 (approximately 2 1/2 pounds) whole chicken
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
2 - 3 celery stalks, sliced
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 - 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
3 bay leaves
8 cups water
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice

Place chicken, sausage, onion, celery, butter, salt, both peppers, and bay leaves into your large soup pan. Add water and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 40 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside to cool. Remove and discard bay leaves. Add rice and cook 10 minutes, uncovered. Then cover and cook another 20 minutes, until rice is tender. Meanwhile, remove skin and bones from chicken and discard. Add chicken pieces back to the pot.