Smothered chicken is a heartwarming dish that wraps you in a cozy embrace with every bite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces bathed in a rich, savory gravy made from sautéed onions, garlic, and a splash of chicken broth, all thickened to perfection. Served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or rice, this dish is a celebration of flavors that dance on your palate. With its comforting aroma and satisfying texture, smothered chicken is sure to become a beloved favorite at your dinner table, bringing warmth and joy to every gathering.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting flavors that warm your soul.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you already have.
- Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
- Versatile—serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Southern |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 45 minutes |
| Total Time: | 1 hour |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | With rice or mashed potatoes |
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs – Ideal for a juicy and flavorful base.
- All-purpose flour – Helps to create a nice coating for the chicken.
- Olive oil – A healthier alternative for frying the chicken.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Chicken broth – Provides a rich, savory base for the sauce.
- Heavy cream – Adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
- Seasoning blend – A mix of your favorite spices to elevate the taste.
- Bell peppers – Adds color and a slight sweetness to the dish.
- Fresh parsley – For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Gather your ingredients: chicken pieces, flour, chicken broth, onions, garlic, and seasonings. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and your favorite spices on the chicken pieces. Make them feel loved with a good rub!
Step 2: Dredge in Flour
Coat each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off the excess. This will give it a lovely crispy texture.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides. Don’t rush; let them get golden!
Step 4: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Remove the chicken and toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 5: Create the Gravy
Sprinkle a bit more flour into the skillet, stirring to combine. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Gravy
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the gravy over the top. Make sure they’re cozy in the sauce!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the skillet and transfer it to the oven. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your smothered chicken with a generous ladle of gravy. Pair it with rice or mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
•Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor and tenderness.
•Sear the chicken until golden brown for a rich, deep taste.
•Add a splash of chicken broth instead of wine for moisture.
•Incorporate your favorite herbs for a personal touch.
•Serve with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy.
How to Serve
- Serve smothered chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice for a classic combo.
- Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious gravy.
- Top with sautéed green beans or steamed broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition.
- For a twist, try it on a toasted bun for a hearty smothered chicken sandwich.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of freshness.
- Serve alongside a crisp garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Complement with cornbread or biscuits to mop up the sauce.
- For a cozy dinner, enjoy it with a side of roasted vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
•Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
•Place leftovers in an airtight container.
•Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
•Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
•Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
•Portion out servings for easy thawing.
•Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
•Label with the date and type of dish before freezing.
Reheating
•Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
•Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
•Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
•Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
FAQs
What is smothered chicken?
Smothered chicken is a comforting dish featuring chicken pieces cooked until tender and then covered in a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s often served over rice or mashed potatoes, making it a hearty meal perfect for family gatherings.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken can be used for smothered chicken. It cooks faster and is easier to eat, but be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water with a bit of seasoning. This will still provide a nice flavor base for your gravy without compromising the dish.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
To thicken the gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering gravy. Allow it to cook for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—smothered chicken, a dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia! It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. So gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful recipe, and watch their faces light up with joy. Enjoy every bite, and remember, comfort food doesn’t get better than this. Happy cooking, my friend!
smothered chicken
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet For browning chicken and making gravy.
- 1 Oven For baking the chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces Chicken thighs Ideal for a juicy and flavorful base.
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour Helps to create a nice coating for the chicken.
Oil
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil A healthier alternative for frying the chicken.
Vegetables
- 1 medium Onion Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves Garlic Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Broth
- 2 cups Chicken broth Provides a rich, savory base for the sauce.
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream Adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
Seasoning
- to taste Seasoning blend A mix of your favorite spices to elevate the taste.
- 1 medium Bell peppers Adds color and a slight sweetness to the dish.
- to garnish Fresh parsley For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather your ingredients: chicken pieces, flour, chicken broth, onions, garlic, and seasonings. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and your favorite spices on the chicken pieces. Make them feel loved with a good rub!
Step 2: Dredge in Flour
- Coat each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off the excess. This will give it a lovely crispy texture.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides. Don’t rush; let them get golden!
Step 4: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- Remove the chicken and toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 5: Create the Gravy
- Sprinkle a bit more flour into the skillet, stirring to combine. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Gravy
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the gravy over the top. Make sure they’re cozy in the sauce!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the skillet and transfer it to the oven. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Plate your smothered chicken with a generous ladle of gravy. Pair it with rice or mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort!
