Quick & Juicy Smothered Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty smothered chicken recipe that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of rich, creamy sauce blanket tender chicken pieces with incredible depth.

Hearty southern cooking traditions shine through every delectable bite.

Home kitchens come alive with robust flavors and simple ingredients that create something extraordinary.

Skillful cooking techniques transform basic chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal anyone can master.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making this dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this soul-warming classic.

Dive into a plate that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Smothered Chicken Loaded With Flavor And Comfort

• Unleash Comfort Food Magic: This smothered chicken delivers pure, hearty comfort with its rich gravy and tender meat that hugs your taste buds with warmth.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Perfect for home cooks learning kitchen skills, the recipe uses simple techniques like dredging and sautéing that build confidence while creating a delicious meal.
• Transform One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize dirty dishes and maximize flavor by preparing everything in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and cooking process streamlined.
• Customize Your Culinary Creativity: Easily adapt the recipe by switching proteins, adding herbs, or pairing with different sides like pasta or vegetables to match your family's preferences.

Ingredients To Make Smothered Chicken

• Chicken: A tender protein that forms the base of this comforting Southern-style dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: A classic combination that adds depth and warmth to the chicken's flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour, Chicken Broth: Flour creates a crispy exterior for the chicken and helps thicken the rich gravy.

• Olive Oil, Butter: These provide rich flavor and help brown the chicken to golden perfection.

• Onions, Garlic: These ingredients build a savory foundation for the smothered chicken's delicious sauce.

How To Prepare Smothered Chicken Step By Step

Step 1: Craft Flavorful Chicken Coating

Combine salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. Generously rub the seasoning blend all over the chicken pieces, ensuring every surface gets a delicious flavor boost.

Step 2: Create Crispy Flour Jacket

Pour flour onto a flat plate. Gently roll each chicken piece in the flour, creating a light, even coating that will turn golden and crispy when cooked.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter, allowing them to meld and heat up.

Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot pan, letting them develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust on both sides. This process locks in moisture and creates incredible flavor.

Step 4: Caramelize Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet and savory aromas.

Step 5: Develop Rich Gravy Base

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and build a silky, luxurious gravy.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Return chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover and reduce heat to low.

Let everything simmer gently for 30 minutes, allowing chicken to cook completely and absorb the rich, comforting flavors.

Step 7: Plate and Serve Deliciously

Transfer chicken to a serving platter.

Generously spoon the luscious gravy over the top. Present alongside fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal that will make everyone smile.

Tips For Perfectly Cooked Smothered Chicken

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. Thighs stay more tender during long cooking compared to chicken breasts. Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown crust when browning. Select low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in your gravy, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely. For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour when dredging and thickening the gravy, maintaining the dish's rich texture and delicious taste.

Variations To Jazz Up Smothered Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil, use almond milk-based broth for a creamy texture without dairy.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap flour for almond flour or coconut flour, serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add red pepper flakes, fresh thyme, and rosemary to the seasoning for a more intense flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and oregano into the gravy for a Mediterranean twist.

Serving Ideas For Smothered Chicken

• Southern Comfort Plate: Nestle the smothered chicken over creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the rich gravy to cascade down the sides for a hearty, soul-warming meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Rustic Country Dinner: Pair the chicken with fluffy white rice, sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top to add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Veggie Companion Approach: Serve alongside roasted green beans or steamed broccoli to balance the rich, savory gravy and add nutritional value to the classic comfort food.
• Weekend Family Feast: Create a complete Southern-style spread by adding buttermilk biscuits and a simple side salad, transforming the smothered chicken into a full, satisfying family meal.

Best Ways To Store Smothered Chicken

• Refrigerate leftover smothered chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Separate chicken and gravy in different containers to prevent soggy texture.
• Label containers with the date to track storage time.

FAQs

• What makes the chicken crispy and golden?

Dredging the chicken in flour before browning creates a delicious golden crust that seals in moisture and adds extra texture to the dish.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can use thighs, drumsticks, or chicken breasts. Just ensure they are similar in size for even cooking and adjust cooking time accordingly.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken, ensuring it’s safe to eat.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Smothered chicken reheats well and stays tender. You can make it ahead and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals.

Ultimate Smothered Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent smothered chicken recipe brings Southern comfort to dinner tables with rich, creamy gravy and tender meat. Home cooks will savor this hearty dish that delivers classic soul food flavors in one satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 chicken thighs or chicken breasts

Primary Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Aromatics and Liquids:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken pieces with a robust blend of salt, pepper, and smoky paprika, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Meticulously dredge seasoned chicken through a light dusting of flour, creating a delicate, crisp exterior.
3. Warm a skillet with a harmonious combination of olive oil and butter, then carefully brown chicken until golden and crispy on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Transfer beautifully seared chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and crisp texture.
5. In the same skillet with residual pan drippings, gently sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet aromatics.
6. Sprinkle additional flour into the skillet, stirring continuously to form a smooth, rich roux that will thicken the upcoming gravy.
7. Gradually pour chicken broth into the skillet, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a silky, luxurious gravy.
8. Carefully nestle browned chicken pieces back into the gravy, ensuring they are partially submerged.
9. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow chicken to simmer gently for 25-30 minutes at low temperature, guaranteeing tender, fully cooked meat.
10. Plate the succulent chicken alongside steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes, generously drizzling the luscious gravy over the top.

Notes

• Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to maximize flavor and keep the meat juicy during simmering.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary in the seasoning mix for added depth and complexity.
• Consider using gluten-free flour alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to help redistribute the juices and ensure tender meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg