Smothered Chicken : Tender, juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a rich, creamy gravy with onions, garlic, and just the right blend of spices for soul-warming dish. Served over fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery biscuits, this one-pan wonder is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
What is Smothered Chicken?
Smothered chicken is a Southern classic that features chicken pieces pan-fried to golden perfection and then “smothered” in a luscious gravy. This dish is traditionally served with rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits, making it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. The gravy, often made with pan drippings, onions, garlic, and sometimes mushrooms, is what takes this dish to the next level.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Smothered Chicken
Choose the Right Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs retain moisture and absorb the gravy better than boneless cuts.
Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken before smothering it creates a flavorful crust and seals in the juices.
Season in Layers: Season the chicken, the flour, and the gravy to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Cook Low and Slow: Simmering the chicken allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Deglaze the Pan: Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan while making the gravy—this is where the magic happens.
Variations to Try
- Creamy Smothered Chicken: Add heavy cream or sour cream to the gravy for a richer, velvety texture.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy aroma.
- Vegetable Boost: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrition.
How to Serve Smothered Chicken
Smothered chicken pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides such as:
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy base for soaking up the gravy.
- Rice or Grits: Ideal for capturing every drop of the savory sauce.
- Biscuits: Perfect for scooping and savoring.
- Collard Greens or Green Beans: Add a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the richness.
How to Store and Reheat Smothered Chicken
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze smothered chicken (without the cream) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the gravy silky.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but bone-in chicken offers more flavor and moisture. If you use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, reduce the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
Whisk in a slurry of flour and water or cornstarch and water. Add it gradually while stirring to reach your desired consistency.
Can I make smothered chicken in advance?
Absolutely! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Is smothered chicken gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the heavy cream and use dairy-free butter or oil for frying. The gravy can be made with unsweetened almond milk instead of cream if needed.
Smothered Chicken
Smothered Chicken : Tender, juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a rich, creamy gravy with onions, garlic, and just the right blend of spices for soul-warming dish. Served over fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery biscuits, this one-pan wonder is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Chicken & Dredge:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 5 strips thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- ½ cup flour, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, and black pepper
Gravy:
- Butter, flour, chicken broth, beef bouillon, and half-and-half
- Onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, sage
- Optional: Kitchen Bouquet for a richer color
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise and pound to ¾-inch thickness. Pat dry and coat in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Fry bacon until crispy, reserve 2–4 tablespoons of the drippings, and set aside.
- Heat bacon drippings and vegetable oil. Fry chicken until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Melt butter in the pan and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add chicken broth and half-and-half, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add seasonings, soy sauce, and (optional) Kitchen Bouquet for color.
Add the chicken and any juices back into the pan. - Sprinkle chopped bacon on top, partially cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes or rice for the ultimate comfort meal.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 651Total Fat: 39gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 30gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 934mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 30g
Chickenrecipes.blog, 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 more than just a meal—it’s a hug in a bowl. From its crispy golden chicken to the deeply flavorful gravy, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a variation, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
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