Smothered Chicken

 

Smothered Chicken is a comforting, soul-soothing dish often found in Southern kitchens. It features tender, pan-fried chicken thighs or breasts that are luxuriously draped in a rich, savory gravy made with onions, garlic, and herbs. This detailed recipe will guide you through every step to create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

Chopped parsley, for garnish

Equipment Needed

Large skillet

Tongs

Measuring cups and spoons

Knife and cutting board

Preparation Steps

1. 1. Preparing the Chicken
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3. Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess. This not only helps in browning the chicken but also thickens the gravy later on.
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5. 2. Browning the Chicken
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7. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
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9. 3. Cooking the Aromatics
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11. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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13. 4. Creating the Gravy
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15. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let reduce slightly, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the heavy cream and bring back to a simmer.
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17. 5. Simmering the Chicken
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19. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the gravy. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the gravy has thickened to your liking.
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21. 6. Finishing Touches
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23. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.
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25. Conclusion
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27. Serve your Smothered Chicken hot, ideally over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside your favorite steamed vegetables. This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also carries the warmth of home-cooked comfort food, perfect for any day of the year.
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29. Storage Tips
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31. Smothered Chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day leftovers. The flavors often deepen overnight, providing an even more delicious experience the next day!