Smothered Chicken – This dish brings tender, juicy chicken in a savory gravy, often served over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect way to end a long day or to impress your family with a delicious, home-cooked meal.
What Is Smothered Chicken?
Smothered chicken is a traditional Southern dish where chicken pieces are first seared to lock in their flavors and then “smothered” in a rich, creamy gravy. This gravy is typically made from pan drippings, a roux, onions, garlic, and sometimes a splash of cream or broth. The chicken simmers in this sauce until it is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Whether served with rice, potatoes, or even biscuits, the dish’s flavor and aroma are unforgettable. It’s a classic that has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their unique spin on the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make the most delectable smothered chicken:
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs, drumsticks, or a whole cut-up chicken. The bones and skin add a depth of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to coat the chicken for a crispy crust and to thicken the gravy.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Oil or Butter: For browning the chicken and making the roux.
- Onion: Thinly sliced for a deep, caramelized flavor.
- Garlic: Minced to enhance the gravy.
- Chicken Broth: The base of the gravy, though you can also use beef broth for a richer taste.
- Heavy Cream (optional): To add creaminess to the gravy.
- Fresh Herbs: Like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, for a burst of freshness.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Smothered Chicken
Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken pieces yield a richer, more flavorful dish compared to boneless cuts.
Brown Your Chicken Well: Don’t rush the searing process! A good golden crust adds depth to both the chicken and the gravy.
Customize Your Gravy: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a splash of white wine for a twist on the traditional gravy.
Adjust the Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, thin it out with a bit of extra broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
Variations on Smothered Chicken
- Spicy Smothered Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy for a kick of heat.
- Mushroom Smothered Chicken: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor.
- Creamy Cajun Style: Incorporate Cajun seasoning and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a unique twist.
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How to Serve Smothered Chicken
The beauty of smothered chicken lies in its versatility. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:
- Over Rice: The gravy seeps into the rice, making every bite flavorful.
- With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes complement the rich gravy perfectly.
- On Biscuits: For a Southern brunch feel, ladle the chicken and gravy over fluffy biscuits.
- With Collard Greens: For a well-rounded Southern feast.
Pro Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Storing and Reheating Smothered Chicken
How to Store
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat
- Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
- Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Boneless Chicken for Smothered Chicken?
Absolutely! While bone-in pieces provide a richer flavor, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well if you’re short on time. Just reduce the simmering time to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Make the Gravy Gluten-Free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy instead of all-purpose flour. Be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly.
Can I Make Smothered Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! Sear the chicken and prepare the gravy as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
You can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the gravy.
Smothered Chicken
Smothered Chicken - This dish brings tender, juicy chicken in a savory gravy, often served over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved into 4 cutlets
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp paprika
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice level)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice your chicken breasts lengthwise into thinner cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Season the Flour: In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne. Set aside 2 tablespoons of this seasoned flour for later.
- Dredge and Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour and sear each side for about 5 minutes until golden (but not fully cooked through). Transfer to a plate.
- Caramelize the Onions: Lower the heat to medium-low, add butter to the skillet, and sauté the sliced onions.
- Let them cook slowly for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and caramelized. Adjust heat if needed to prevent burning.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle in the reserved seasoned flour, stirring constantly for about a minute. Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up those delicious brown bits. Stir in the heavy cream to make the gravy silky and smooth.
- Simmer and Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the gravy. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F) and the gravy thickens. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 620Total Fat 29gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 232mgSodium 607mgCarbohydrates 35gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 53g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Smothered chicken is a dish that embodies warmth, comfort, and tradition. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. With endless customization options, it’s a classic that never gets old. So, grab your skillet and get ready to smother some love into your next meal!
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