Chicken Bog
Chicken bog is a hearty, comforting Southern dish made from chicken, rice, smoked sausage, and plenty of flavorful broth.
Popular especially in South Carolina, it’s known for being filling, easy to prepare, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Why Is It Called Chicken Bog?
The name “chicken bog” comes from the way the dish is cooked. As the rice absorbs the chicken broth, it creates a moist, thick consistency similar to a boggy, swamp-like texture. It’s intentionally cooked until it’s slightly wetter than typical rice dishes, hence the unique name.
Is Chicken Bog A Southern Thing?
Yes, chicken bog is very much a Southern specialty, and more specifically tied to the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. Communities there have enjoyed it for generations, and it’s often prepared for large family gatherings, church events, and local festivals. It’s a staple in South Carolina cooking, making it a classic example of Southern comfort food.
Is Chicken Bog The Same As Jambalaya?
No, chicken bog and jambalaya are similar, but they have some key differences. While both dishes feature rice and meat cooked together, jambalaya usually includes tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, celery, and spices like cayenne pepper. It’s cooked until the rice is fluffy and the dish is relatively dry. Chicken bog, however, is simpler. It’s typically just chicken, sausage, rice, and broth, cooked until slightly wet and sticky, without tomatoes or the additional vegetables common in jambalaya.
What Side Dishes Go With Chicken Bog?
Chicken bog is hearty on its own, but serving it with some complementary sides makes for an even more satisfying meal. Popular side dishes include:
- Coleslaw: Adds crunch and balances the richness.
- Green beans or collard greens: Classic Southern vegetables that pair well.
- Cornbread or biscuits: Perfect for soaking up any extra broth.
- Pickles or pickled vegetables: Provide acidity and brightness to balance the dish.
- Simple green salad: Offers freshness and texture contrast.
These sides enhance the overall meal without overshadowing the chicken bog.
Storage Instructions
Chicken bog is great for leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep:
- Refrigeration: Allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers. It will keep fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Chicken bog freezes well. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 carrots
- 2 stalks of celery
- 1 onion
- 1 head of garlic split in half
- 3 tbsp chicken bouillon
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 white onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ½ smoked sausage link sliced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- salt to taste
- 2 cups rice
- 4 cups saved broth plus ½ cup extra
- green onion for serving
- hot sauce for serving
- Add the whole chicken, celery, carrots, onion, and garlic to a large pot. Fill and cover with water, covering chicken with about 1 inch of water.
- Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Mix in chicken bouillon. Simmer until chicken is done and tender, about 1 hour (depending on the size).
- Discard the vegetables and remove the chicken. Shred the chicken from the bones into small pieces and reserve for later use.
- Taste the broth and add more seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, add your oil. Add in the sausage pieces, browning on both sides about 3 – 5 minutes. Remove from the pot.
- Add in your onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Next, add in the seasonings and mix well.
- Next, add in the rice, stirring often. Toast rice for 1 minute. Then, add back in your sausage and pour in the broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Cover, and reduce heat to a simmer for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the lid and give everything a stir. Remove from the heat. Use a little of the reserved broth if needed to achieve your desired "wetness."
- Stir in the reserved chicken. Next, add in the green onion. Serve in bowls and add hot sauce.
My husband is from the low country and has always used his family recipe. We this one for a comparison and love it! The paprika and oregano were different for us but a great touch!
Thank you for the kind review Kim! We’re glad to hear that you both enjoyed our recipe!