Smothered Chicken Recipe (with Video)

Smothered Chicken Recipe: Smothered chicken is a classic Southern comfort dish that’s rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. This dish features juicy, pan-seared chicken smothered in a savory, flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and sometimes mushrooms. Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or with biscuits, this meal is sure to satisfy.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step smothered chicken recipe that’s easy to follow and full of flavor. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, gather all your ingredients.

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Gravy:

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken – In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Coat the chicken – Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Then, lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the pan – In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2. Cook the chicken – Place the chicken in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this point, as it will finish cooking in the gravy.
3. Remove and set aside – Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside while you make the gravy.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. Sauté the onions – In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and slightly caramelized.
2. Add garlic – Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the pan – Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
4. Add seasonings – Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and smoked paprika.
5. Simmer – Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
6. Add cream – Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it into the gravy.

Step 4: Smother the Chicken

1. Return the chicken to the skillet – Nestle the chicken back into the gravy.
2. Simmer – Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F).
3. Taste and adjust – Add more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve your smothered chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or with warm biscuits.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for extra flavor.

Tips for the Best Smothered Chicken

+ Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for extra flavor (though boneless works well for convenience).
+ Don’t skip the searing – it locks in juices and adds depth to the dish.
+ Low and slow simmering makes the chicken tender and juicy.
+ For extra richness, add a splash of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning to the gravy.

Variations & Additions

• Smothered Chicken with Mushrooms – Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Spicy Smothered Chicken – Mix in Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Cheesy Smothered Chicken – Stir in grated cheddar cheese into the gravy before serving.

FAQs about Smothered Chicken Recipe

1. What is smothered chicken?

Smothered chicken is a classic Southern dish where juicy, pan-fried chicken is cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s often served with rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for a comforting meal.

2. What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks are ideal because they stay moist and absorb the gravy’s flavor. However, boneless chicken breasts can also be used for a leaner option.

3. Can I make smothered chicken without flour?

Yes! While flour is commonly used to thicken the gravy, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free alternative to achieve a similar texture.

4. What’s the best way to season smothered chicken?

For the best flavor, use a mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Marinating the chicken beforehand enhances the taste even more!

5. Can I make smothered chicken in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the chicken first for extra flavor, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the gravy ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

6. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the gravy smooth.

7. What sides go well with smothered chicken?

Popular side dishes include creamy mashed potatoes, cornbread, collard greens, mac and cheese, or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.

Conclusion

Smothered chicken is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The rich, creamy gravy paired with tender, juicy chicken makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of Southern-style cooking at home!