This smothered chicken recipe is a comforting Southern classic, featuring tender chicken thighs covered in a rich, creamy gravy. With a perfect balance of flavors and a hearty texture, this dish is ideal for a family dinner. Serve this smothered chicken recipe with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all that delicious gravy.

Ingredients:

Ingredients for the smothered chicken recipe:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

• Save

Execution

Step-by-Step Method for the smothered chicken recipe:

• Season and dredge the chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken thighs in the seasoned flour, coating all sides.
• Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are softened.
• Add the broth and cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Return the chicken: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Cover and let the chicken simmer in the gravy for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is cooked, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.

• Save

Tips:

For the best smothered chicken recipe:

• Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture, but you can use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Adjust the gravy thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
• Season the flour well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning in the flour mixture, as it adds a lot of flavor to the chicken and the gravy.
• Make it dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk.

FAQs:

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used, but adjust the cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
• What can I serve with smothered chicken? Smothered chicken pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
• Can I make the gravy without cream? Yes, you can make a lighter gravy by using only chicken broth and thickening it with a slurry of cornstarch and water.

For more delicious recipes, check out our All Recipes page! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter to stay updated with our latest content!