Smothered chicken is a classic comfort food dish featuring juicy chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a rich and savory gravy. This Southern-inspired meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a delicious and satisfying smothered chicken that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, coating them evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the dredged chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add the sliced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, until the onions are soft and caramelized.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Gravy:
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the leftover seasoned flour mixture into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or whole milk) and add the dried thyme and rosemary. Continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Smother the Chicken:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the gravy for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Garnish the smothered chicken with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve the smothered chicken hot, with the gravy spooned over the top. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Tips:
- Bone-In Chicken: You can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for this recipe, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken.
- Seasoning: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Smothered chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its tender, juicy chicken and rich, savory gravy, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Southern-inspired dish with your loved ones!
