Description
Easy Smothered Chicken is a classic Southern comfort dish featuring juicy, seasoned chicken in a rich, flavorful gravy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this hearty meal is simple to prepare and pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken, skin-side down, for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy
- In the same pan, add the sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Simmer and Serve
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the gravy.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the gravy thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: dinner, comfort food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: southern
Keywords: Smothered Chicken, Southern Chicken Recipe, Chicken with Gravy, Comfort Food, One-Pan Chicken Recipe