🤤 Easy Smothered Chicken Recipe | Home Dinner Ideas

Imagine coming home exhausted, wanting a meal that’s both cozy and filling. Think about your family’s joy when they see a plate of homemade smothered chicken. This recipe is not just tasty but fast to make, thanks to Imma, a renowned food blogger.

This dish features crispy fried chicken in a rich, creamy gravy. It’s a beloved meal for many, including both kids and grown-ups. Serve it over rice or with mashed potatoes. You’ll find yourself thinking about this meal long after it’s gone. And you can customize it with pork chops, bacon, or change the spices, making it perfect for families who love variation.

Key Takeaways

• Published Date: 9/29/2022
• Updated Date: 3/31/2021
• Recipe Rating: 4.95 out of 5 from 20 votes
• Servings: 6
• Ingredients: 3 pounds of bone-in and skinless chicken thighs
• Gravy Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 cups chicken broth, ¾-1 cup of milk
• Tips: Add a little water if the gravy is too thick, cook flour longer for darker gravy

Introduction to Smothered Chicken

Smothered chicken is a key dish in southern cuisine. It’s loved for being hearty and full of flavor. This favorite comfort food dinner features tender chicken in a rich sauce. The gravy is seasoned with herbs and spices, making it beloved by many.

This smothered chicken recipe is a top pick for Southern comfort food. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also nutritious. A serving offers 341kcal, 26g of protein, vitamin A, and potassium. It’s made with chicken thighs marinated in soy sauce and hot sauce for a burst of flavor.

The cooking process is easy but very satisfying. First, you sear the chicken to get it golden. Then, you add onion, celery, and pepper for more flavor. Mix in white wine and stock, and cook it all together.

This recipe is loved by many because it’s easy to make and tasty. Cooking it for two hours lets the flavors blend perfectly. You can enjoy it with rice or vegetables for a true taste of the South. It’s a great comfort food dinner choice for anyone.

Ingredients Needed for Smothered Chicken

To make delicious smothered chicken, start by getting the right ingredients. You need chicken thighs and legs. These should be seasoned with a mix of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Next, coat the chicken in a mix. Combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs with seasoned salt and black pepper. This mix will give your chicken a crispy outside when fried in 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.

For the gravy, mix 4 tablespoons of butter and flour to make a roux. Slowly add in 2.5 cups of chicken broth and a beef bouillon cube. This makes a flavorful base. Then, mix in half and half, soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), and various spices like thyme, rosemary, sage, and Kitchen Bouquet for extra flavor.

• Meats: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Fat for Frying: 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• Chicken Dredge: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 tsp seasoned salt, 3/4 tsp black pepper
• Gravy Base: 4 tbsp butter, 4 tbsp flour, 2.5 cups chicken broth, 1 bouillon cube
• Dairy: 1/3 cup half and half
• Seasonings: Cajun seasoning, thyme, rosemary, sage, soy sauce, Kitchen Bouquet
• Aromatics: Minced garlic, sliced onion

It’s crucial to measure and season these ingredients with care. This will help you get the perfect taste in your chicken and gravy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Smothered Chicken

Learn how to make delicious smothered chicken at home with this step-by-step guide. It’s all about simple steps to create a rich gravy and tender chicken. This recipe gets the perfect mix of a flavorful sauce and juicy meat.

Preparing the Chicken

First, clean and season the chicken. Use salt and Cajun spices. You can use a whole chicken or just thighs. Make sure each piece has a good dusting of flour with onion powder, paprika, and garlic powder.

Frying the Chicken

Heat cooking oil and butter in a skillet. Do the chicken in batches to keep them cooking evenly. It should take about 10-12 minutes per piece, or until they hit 165°F inside. When they’re golden, put them to the side.

Making the Gravy

Next, make the gravy from scratch. Sauté onions and garlic in the skillet drippings until soft. Add more butter and flour to make a roux. Slowly add chicken broth and cream, stirring until creamy.

Put the chicken back in, and let them all cook together for 30-35 minutes. This makes the flavors blend perfectly.

Enjoy making this smothered chicken recipe. It will soon be a favorite with its tasty gravy and juicy chicken. A perfect dish to share with family and friends.

Tips for Perfecting the Gravy

Want to make a silky gravy for the best smothered chicken recipe? Start by gently cooking flour and butter until golden. This gives a rich flavor. Use a 1/4 cup of butter and a 1/2 cup of flour for the perfect base.

To make homemade gravy, slowly add 2 cups of chicken broth while whisking. This avoids lumps. Add broth bit by bit and keep whisking. Then, pour in 3/4 cup of half and half. Add a 1/4 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, which includes dried thyme, paprika, and rosemary, for extra flavor.

For more taste, cook a chopped yellow onion and garlic cloves until soft. This step adds a fragrant kick to your gravy. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes to blend the tastes nicely.

If you’re watching your salt, use unsalted butter and low-sodium soy sauce. It keeps your dish healthy without losing flavor. If your sauce is too thick or lumpy, blend it quickly for a smooth, creamy texture.

Following these steps will make your smothered chicken stand out. You’ll get a rich, balanced sauce that makes the chicken very tasty.

Best Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe

Choosing the right cut for smothered chicken is crucial. Chicken thighs usually work best. They are flavorful and tender. Thighs hold moisture while cooking, making the dish juicy.

But, you can also use chicken breasts in this recipe. You must be careful with cooking times to not dry the meat. By adjusting times, you’ll still get a tender dish.

This recipe has 341 kcal, 10g carbs, and 26g protein per serving. You can also use pork chops. This makes the dish appealing to different tastes and satisfying.

1. Calories: 341 per serving
2. Carbohydrates: 10g per serving
3. Protein: 26g per serving
4. Total Fat: 21g per serving
5. Saturated Fat: 9g per serving
6. Cholesterol: 105mg per serving
7. Sodium: 421mg per serving
8. Fiber: 1g per serving
9. Sugar: 1g per serving
10. Vitamin A: 965 IU per serving
11. Vitamin C: 2mg per serving
12. Calcium: 33mg per serving
13. Iron: 1mg per serving

This post has been updated on June 14, 2021, showing its lasting popularity. The recipe has clear ingredient amounts and steps. You can store it in the fridge for three days or freeze for three months.

To make this recipe safe and tasty, cook the chicken thighs until they reach 165°F inside.

Recipe Variations to Try

Try mixing up the traditional smothered chicken recipe for fun. Searching for different flavors can make mealtime interesting. This way, you meet various taste and diet needs. You might like smothered pork chops or bacon added to your dish. There’s something tasty for all.

Smothered Pork Chops

Switching to pork chops can be a delicious change from chicken. The smothered pork chop recipe is both juicy and tasty. It’s a hit with those who love meat. The method to cook them is much the same. So, you’ll still get all that creamy goodness with your pork.

Adding Bacon

For the bacon lovers, try mixing in bacon bits or drippings to your dish. Adding bacon gives a meal a rich, smoky flavor. It will make the gravy taste even better. Plus, it’ll give your food a nice texture contrast.

Trying new recipes is a great way to improve your cooking. Altered foods surprise us during meals. Making changes based on what you love and need ensures great dishes each time.

Serving Suggestions

Smothered chicken is best enjoyed with the right side dishes. They make dinner at home cozy and delicious. Try adding jasmine rice or garlic mashed potatoes to your meal. They’re great for getting every bit of that tasty gravy.

Adding veggies to your meal makes it healthier. Crispy Brussels sprouts or grilled asparagus add a nice, fresh touch. For a lighter side, a roasted beet or cucumber tomato salad brings extra taste and color.

Old time favorites like cornbread and baked macaroni and cheese are great, too. Cornbread’s texture goes well with the chicken’s flavor. Baked mac and cheese is a creamy delight. But if you want something lighter, try quinoa or roasted zucchini for a tasty meal.

• Jasmine rice
• Green beans
• Quinoa
• Caesar salad
• Cream cheese mashed potatoes
• Roasted zucchini
• Carrot mash
• Cornbread
• Grilled asparagus
• Baked macaroni and cheese
• Roasted beet salad
• Crispy Brussels sprouts
• Herbed dinner rolls
• Cucumber tomato salad

For a festive dinner, don’t forget the side dishes. They add variety and make your meal unforgettable. Be it vegetables or classics, having a good side is key to full meal enjoyment.

How to Make Smothered Chicken Ahead of Time

Making smothered chicken ahead of time can really help on busy nights. It’s also great for special events. Use these steps to get great results with less stress.

Prepping the Chicken

Start by getting the chicken ready to cook early. First, spice and bread the chicken. You’ll need:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts or 3 chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper for breading

Season and bread the chicken. Then, put it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. You can do this step up to a day in advance. It makes cooking your smothered chicken later much easier.

Storing and Reheating

Keeping chicken dishes fresh is important. After cooking, let the chicken cool before storing. Put it in a tightly sealed container. It will stay good in the fridge for a few days or you can freeze it for later. This keeps your smothered chicken tasting great.

For reheating, the oven works best. Heat your oven to 350°F. Cover your dish with foil and heat it for 20-25 minutes to keep it moist. If you’re in a hurry, use a microwave. Heat your chicken for a minute and a half at medium power. Following these steps will keep your chicken delicious when you serve it again.

These tips will make you a pro at preparing smothered chicken in advance. Follow this advice for storing and reheating to enjoy your meal later without any issues.

Why This is the Best Smothered Chicken Recipe

This traditional smothered chicken recipe stands out for being easy to make. It’s packed with Southern flavors, earning its place as a favorite across families. Following this recipe leads to a deeply satisfying meal, rich in soul food traditions.

This dish is remarkable partly because of its exact ingredients. Think 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts and 5 strips of thick bacon. It’s all about the perfect mix of spices, like seasoned salt and black pepper. Add a golden crust, and you’ve got a hit.

Special ingredients include:

• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for frying
• 4 tablespoons of butter for the gravy
• 2.5 cups of chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1/3 cup of half and half for a creamy touch
• Seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, and more

The cooking method is crucial. The chicken must fry until it’s just crispy. Then, it simmers in a smooth gravy that’s pure comfort. You can swap in low sodium soy sauce to mix things up.

This recipe is both easy and impressive. It takes just an hour to make, with 15 minutes of that for prepping. At 341 kcal per serving, it’s a meal that meets your cravings without overdoing it.

Looking to impress at dinner? This smothered chicken dish might just be your secret weapon. Its warm, inviting flavors are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe: A Classic

The southern smothered chicken recipe is a classic comfort food. It’s full of flavor and history, making it a celebrated soul food classic. It’s known for its simple yet delicious taste.

This dish comes from the heart of Southern cooking. It uses mainly chicken thighs and legs, which make it tender and tasty. You’ll also need some oil and chicken breasts or thighs to get a juicy result.

For the perfect chicken coating, mix flour with some extra tablespoons. Then, make a gravy from chicken stock, water, and flour. A bit of Worcestershire sauce enhances the rich taste.

Cook the chicken until it’s brown, then let it cook in the gravy. This process takes about 30-35 minutes.

This meal is not just tasty but healthy too. Each serving has 211 calories, 11g of carbs, and 15g of protein. It also provides essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, plus iron.

The seasoning is key to this recipe. It includes onion, garlic, and various spices. These ingredients create a depth of flavor that is truly special.

This recipe is great for planning ahead. You can freeze leftovers for up to three months. Or, keep them in the fridge for 4-5 days. Remember, you can always change the seasonings to match your taste.

When serving, it’s traditional to pair the chicken with dishes like white rice or cornbread. This completes the meal in true Southern style.

Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken Instructions

Using a slow cooker to make smothered chicken makes cooking easier and flavors better. Just follow these steps to get tender, tasty, slow cooker smothered chicken.

Initial Preparation

First, get your ingredients. You’ll need chicken breasts, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, mushrooms, and onion. Also, grab onion soup mix, chicken stock, and seasoning salt. Make sure your slow cooker and a big bowl are ready.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and put it aside.
2. Cut the mushrooms and onion into thin slices.
3. In the bowl, mix the cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, and chicken stock well.
4. Now, add the mushrooms and onions to the mix.

Cooking in the Slow Cooker

With the prep done, it’s time to cook. This way of cooking is easy and perfect for a quick dinner.

Cooking Steps:

1. Put the seasoned chicken at the slow cooker’s bottom.
2. Pour the mixed soup over it, making sure all is covered.
3. Turn the slow cooker to low and cover it.
4. Let it cook for about 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
5. Stir things up now and then, for even flavor.

Your chicken is now ready to eat. It goes well with potatoes, rice, or veggies. It stays flavorful and moist, making a great meal.

Now enjoy making and eating this tasty, easy-to-make meal!

Conclusion

Our easy smothered chicken recipe is a tasty addition to your dinner plans. It showcases a classic Southern taste. All you need is 25 minutes to prepare and 2 hours to cook. This recipe results in a delicious meal that’s perfect for any night.

This dish is great for family dinners. You can make it the usual way or try something new, like adding bacon. It’s also easy to save leftovers for later. Many people have given it a top score of 4.95 out of 5, showing it could be a hit with your family.

This recipe gives clear instructions and the right amount of ingredients. It’s good for anyone, whether you cook a lot or are just starting. The mix of crispy chicken and smooth gravy is comforting. It uses a special method that’s popular in Southern meals.