smothered chicken is like a cozy hug on a plate, where tender chicken breasts are seared golden and bathed in a velvety gravy made with chicken broth, creamy milk, and caramelized onions. As the aromatic herbs and garlic dance in the pan, the kitchen fills with warmth and promise. With every spoonful, the rich sauce clings to juicy chicken, mingling with crisp veggies and fluffy mashed potatoes for a soul-satisfying bite. Perfect for family dinners or a laid-back weekend feast, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a playful comfort classic that turns any meal into a celebration of homestyle love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This smothered chicken
- It’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy nights.
- Rich, savory gravy elevates every bite to pure bliss.
- Simple ingredients come together for a delightful meal.
- Great for meal prep, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
smothered chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken thighs in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add sliced onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle remaining flour over onion and garlic, stir to form a roux, and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Add thyme, bring to a simmer, and cook until gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon gravy over them, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious smothered chicken!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create delicious smothered chicken that’s bursting with flavor!
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs – main protein
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – for coating
- 1 teaspoon salt – seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – for frying
- 1 large onion (sliced) – adds flavor
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) – adds flavor
- 2 cups chicken broth – for sauce
- 1 cup milk – for creaminess
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – herbal flavor
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – for garnish
How to Make Smothered Chicken
This delightful smothered chicken recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner. With a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time. Just a little patience while it simmers, and you’ll be rewarded with tender chicken and rich gravy!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken thighs in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Add sliced onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle remaining flour over onion and garlic, stir to form a roux, and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Create the Gravy
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Add thyme, bring to a simmer, and cook until gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Simmer the Chicken
Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon gravy over them, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious smothered chicken!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Dietary | Comfort Food |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot with gravy |
Pro Tips for Making smothered chicken
- Season the chicken well for maximum flavor.
- Brown the chicken before simmering for a richer taste.
- Add a splash of chicken broth for extra moisture.
- Let the dish rest before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Serve with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
How to Serve this smothered chicken
- Serve over fluffy mashed potatoes for a creamy delight.
- Pair with steamed green beans for a pop of color and crunch.
- Enjoy with a side of cornbread to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Top with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying smothered chicken later is easy and convenient:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the chicken to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool the chicken completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth.
- Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What goes well with smothered chicken?
Smothered chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic choices include creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery cornbread to soak up the delicious gravy. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. The key is to choose sides that complement the rich flavors of the chicken and gravy.
2. Why is it called smothered chicken?
The term ‘smothered’ refers to the cooking technique where the chicken is covered with a flavorful sauce or gravy during the cooking process. This method not only keeps the chicken moist and tender but also allows it to absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce, creating a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family meals.
3. What’s the difference between stew chicken and smothered chicken?
While both dishes feature chicken cooked in a sauce, the main difference lies in the cooking method and consistency. Stew chicken is typically simmered in a broth with vegetables, resulting in a more liquidy dish. In contrast, smothered chicken is cooked in a thicker gravy, often made with a roux, which gives it a richer texture and flavor. Both are delicious, but they offer different dining experiences.
4. What is smothered chicken?
Smothered chicken is a comforting dish made by cooking chicken pieces in a savory gravy, often seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices. The chicken is usually browned first, then simmered in the gravy until tender. This dish is beloved for its rich flavors and is often served over rice or with bread to enjoy the delicious sauce. It’s a staple in many Southern kitchens and a favorite for family gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Smothered chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate! With its rich, savory sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to bring back fond memories of family dinners. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the simple pleasure of creating and sharing this comforting recipe. You won’t regret it!