This Easy Southern Smothered Chicken is a cozy dish that makes your taste buds dance! Juicy chicken is cooked to perfection and covered in a creamy, flavorful gravy.
You can serve it over rice or mashed potatoes, making it a warm hug in a bowl. I love how quick it is to whip up, perfect for a weeknight meal! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs work best for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts can be used, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for coating chicken and thickening the gravy. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure to mix cornstarch with cold liquid before adding to avoid clumps.
Milk or Cream: Whole milk gives a nice creamy texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or even non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the gravy, but you can skip it if you prefer or replace it with soy sauce or a splash of vinegar for a touch of tanginess.
How Do You Get the Gravy Smooth and Creamy?
Making a smooth gravy is key to this dish. Start by making a roux: after sautéing the onions, sprinkle flour and stir for a minute to cook it lightly. This helps eliminate any raw flour taste. When you add the broth, pour it in slowly while whisking continuously.
- Always stir well to prevent lumps as you add the broth and milk.
- Let it simmer gently, allowing it to thicken naturally. If it thickens too much, just add a little more broth until you reach the desired consistency.
Easy Southern Smothered Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook, which includes browning the chicken and simmering it in the gravy. So, in just about 40 minutes, you can have a comforting, hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Season both sides of the chicken thoroughly with this spice mixture, ensuring every bite is flavorful!
2. Dredging the Chicken:
Lightly dredge each seasoned chicken thigh in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour. This layer will help create a nice crust and thicken the gravy later.
3. Searing the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Then, flip them over and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Sautéing the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they become translucent and soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn.
5. Making the Gravy:
Next, sprinkle about a tablespoon of flour over the sautéed onions and stir to combine. Cook this mixture for another minute to form a roux. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. After this, add the milk or cream and Worcestershire sauce, if you’re using it. Bring your mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the gravy thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
6. Simmering the Chicken:
Now it’s time to return the chicken to the skillet! Place the chicken back in the gravy and spoon some of the liquid over the top. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once the chicken is ready, garnish it with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve it hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this Easy Southern Smothered Chicken! It’s sure to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Boneless Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts! Just remember that they will cook faster, so check for doneness after about 12-15 minutes of simmering to avoid overcooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them up on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the gravy has thickened too much.
Can I Make the Gravy Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the gravy in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat it in a skillet and add the cooked chicken to warm through for a quick meal.
What Can I Serve with Southern Smothered Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even cornbread. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
