Never Heard of Chicken Bog? This South Carolina Classic Deserves a Spot on Your Table(Video)

Yahoo

a day ago

South Carolina Chicken bog is a hearty Southern dish made with chicken, rice, smoked sausage, and a well-seasoned broth.
It's a go-to in South Carolina, known for being easy to make and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Want To Make Chicken Bog?
Ingredients
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
Recipe Instructions
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.
Why Is It Called Chicken Bog?
The name comes from the texture. As the rice cooks in the broth, it soaks up the liquid and creates a sticky, almost swampy consistency. It's supposed to be wetter than most rice dishes, which is exactly why it's called 'bog.'
Is Chicken Bog a Southern Thing?
Definitely. It's especially tied to the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, where it's been part of community gatherings, church potlucks, and festivals for generations. You'll find it at big family meals all over the state.
Is Chicken Bog the Same as Jambalaya?
Not quite. While both dishes mix meat and rice, jambalaya usually includes tomatoes, peppers, onions, celery, and bold spices. It's cooked until the rice is fluffy and dry. Chicken bog is simpler—just chicken, sausage, rice, and broth—cooked until it's sticky and moist, with no tomatoes or extra vegetables.
What Side Dishes Go With Chicken Bog?
It's a meal on its own, but a few sides really round it out:
Coleslaw adds crunch and contrast.
Green beans or collards bring in that Southern veg element.
Cornbread or biscuits are great for soaking up the broth.
Pickles or anything pickled help cut through the richness.
A basic green salad keeps things fresh and light.
These sides keep the focus on the bog but help balance out the meal.
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