Smothered Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that embodies Southern comfort food at its finest. With juicy, seasoned chicken smothered in a creamy, savory gravy, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions:
- Season the Chicken – Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Dredge in Flour – Lightly coat each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Sear the Chicken – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics – In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add sliced onions. Cook until soft and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Make the Gravy – Stir in the remaining flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and parsley.
- Simmer the Chicken – Return the chicken to the skillet, cover with the gravy, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Serve – Garnish with extra parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
FAQs:
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts work well. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.
What can I serve with smothered chicken?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, roasted vegetables, or cornbread.
- For extra flavor, add mushrooms or bell peppers to the gravy.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry.
- Smothered chicken can also be made in a slow cooker; simply brown the chicken first, then cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Enjoy this classic Southern dish for a warm, comforting meal that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!
