Smothered Chicken So Good It Feels Like Magic
recipesbook24
SmotheredChicken recipe full of rich, creamy gravy and tender chicken—easy to make,comforting, and perfect for a delicious homemade meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern, American
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
- Tender juicy, and perfect for soaking up that creamy gravy.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Used for lightly dredging the chicken to give it that golden crispy edge.
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Adds a warm depth and subtle smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Essential for building flavor from the ground up.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- For that rich velvety base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Helps achieve a golden sear without burning the butter.
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- Key to that classic savory onion gravy flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Thickens the gravy into something magical.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- The foundation of your gravy—go for low-sodium if possible.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- Brings that creamy luscious texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Adds an herbaceous touch that complements the richness.
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Tips on Swaps:
- No heavy cream? Use whole milk or even half-and-half for a lighter finish.
- Gluten-free? Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for dredging and thickening.
- More veggies? Mushrooms or bell peppers make flavorful add-ins to stretch the dish further.
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the flour stick and ensures a better sear.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Dredge each chicken thigh (or breast) in the seasoned flour, coating both sides lightly. Shake off any excess.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip this step! Light dredging adds a subtle crust that holds up beautifully under the creamy onion gravy.
Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot:
Add the chicken pieces to the pan (in batches if needed).
Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. You’re not fully cooking them yet—just locking in flavor.
Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want those flavorful brown bits!), add:
Sliced onions and sauté for about 5–7 minutes, until soft and lightly caramelized.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Bonus Flavor Boost: Add a splash of chicken broth while scraping the pan to deglaze—it lifts all that rich flavor from the bottom.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps.
Stir in the heavy cream and thyme, and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly.
Step 5: Smother and Simmer
Return the seared chicken (plus any juices) to the pan. Spoon some of the gravy over each piece.
Cover and reduce heat to low.
Let simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the gravy is silky and rich.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles—anything that can soak up that heavenly gravy.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
-
Calories: 450 kcal
-
Total Fat: 25g
-
Saturated Fat: 10g
-
Cholesterol: 130mg
-
Sodium: 600mg
-
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
-
Dietary Fiber: 2g
-
Sugars: 4g
-
Protein: 35g
Keyword Smothered Chicken