Smothered Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich onion and garlic gravy. This Southern classic is perfect for a hearty meal, especially when paired with mashed potatoes or rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting: Rich, creamy gravy with tender, juicy chicken is the ultimate comfort food.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this dish comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with extra spices or vegetables to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
How to Make Smothered Chicken:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the seasoned chicken in flour, ensuring an even coat on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the dredged chicken breasts and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the sliced onions and cook them for about 5-6 minutes until they’re soft and golden. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
- Make the Gravy: Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors from the pan. Then, stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened slightly.
- Smother the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the thickened gravy over them. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken simmer in the gravy for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Once done, serve the smothered chicken hot, with plenty of gravy on top. It’s perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of vegetables.
Helpful Tips:
- Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer using bone-in chicken, it will provide even more flavor, but may require a longer cooking time.
- Thickening the Gravy: If you want a thicker gravy, you can simmer it for a few more minutes, or whisk in a small amount of additional flour before adding the broth.
- Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy while it simmers.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Dairy optional
Notes:
- You can substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts if you prefer a richer, juicier cut of meat.
- The gravy will continue to thicken as it cools, so if it seems too runny right after cooking, give it a few minutes to set.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Smothered Chicken can be made ahead of time. Reheat it gently over low heat or in the oven, adding a bit of broth to loosen the gravy if needed. - Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. - What sides go well with Smothered Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or cornbread are perfect sides to soak up the delicious gravy.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freezer: You can freeze Smothered Chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
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Conclusion:
Smothered Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender chicken, a savory gravy, and simple ingredients for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a weekend feast, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
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Smothered Chicken Recipe
Description
Smothered Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich onion and garlic gravy. This Southern classic is perfect for a hearty meal, especially when paired with mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the seasoned chicken in flour, ensuring an even coat on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the dredged chicken breasts and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the sliced onions and cook them for about 5-6 minutes until they’re soft and golden. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
- Make the Gravy: Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors from the pan. Then, stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened slightly.
- Smother the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the thickened gravy over them. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken simmer in the gravy for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Once done, serve the smothered chicken hot, with plenty of gravy on top. It’s perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts if you prefer a richer, juicier cut of meat.
- The gravy will continue to thicken as it cools, so if it seems too runny right after cooking, give it a few minutes to set.
