Easy Smothered Chicken Recipe

If you’re in search of a comfort food dish that’s both hearty and easy to prepare, look no further than this Easy Smothered Chicken recipe.

This Southern-inspired dish features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, savory gravy, and it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and yields mouthwatering results.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices will enhance the flavor of the chicken and the overall dish.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Gravy

1. Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Sauté them over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. Create a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste.
3. Add the Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken.
4. Finish the Gravy: Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Let the gravy cook for another 2-3 minutes until it’s rich and creamy.

Step 3: Smother the Chicken

1. Combine Chicken and Gravy: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the chicken to fully smother them.
2. Simmer Together: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the gravy for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb the savory gravy.
3. Garnish and Serve: Once done, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the smothered chicken hot, alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs perfectly with smothered chicken.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed green beans or broccoli to balance the richness of the dish.
• Buttered Rice: A simple side of buttered rice soaks up the delicious gravy for a complete meal.

Additional Toppings

• Crispy Bacon: For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits over the smothered chicken before serving.
• Cheese: Melt a slice of cheddar or mozzarella over each chicken breast during the final minutes of cooking for a cheesy variation.

Tips for Success

Maximizing Flavor

• Properly Sear the Chicken: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken breasts. A good sear locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust.
• Slow Simmer: Let the chicken simmer in the gravy on low heat to absorb the rich flavors and become extra tender.

Adjusting the Recipe

• Bone-In Chicken: You can use bone-in chicken thighs or legs for a more traditional take on smothered chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Lighter Gravy: For a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream, or skip the cream altogether for a broth-based gravy.

Conclusion

This Easy Smothered Chicken recipe is a fantastic choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. The combination of tender chicken and creamy gravy is sure to be a hit with your family. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and comforting.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the smothered chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop. Just add a little extra broth or cream to refresh the gravy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and add extra flavor due to their higher fat content.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, smothered chicken can be frozen. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk for a different flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the gravy smooth.

Yield: 4

Easy Smothered Chicken Recipe

Print

If you're in search of a comfort food dish that's both hearty and easy to prepare, look no further than this Easy Smothered Chicken recipe. This Southern-inspired dish features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, savory gravy, and it's perfect for a cozy family dinner. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and yields mouthwatering results.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for added richness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Make the Smothered Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
   Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
   Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried basil, and dried rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
   
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each chicken breast.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the sauce.
   
5. Finish and Serve:
   If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and cover for an additional 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
   Serve the smothered chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.

Notes

• Chicken: For a leaner option, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it.
• Flavor Variations: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead: The chicken and sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Freezing: The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.