A Comforting Classic
When it comes to comforting, home-cooked meals, the smothered chicken recipe is a timeless classic. This dish is the ultimate combination of tender chicken pieces and creamy gravy, making it the perfect choice for a family dinner. Whether you’re looking for an easy weekday meal or a dish to impress at a gathering, this smothered chicken recipe has got you covered. The chicken is cooked to perfection, with a rich, flavorful gravy that makes every bite irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy and happy at any dinner table.
This easy-smothered chicken recipe combines all the right ingredients to create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. The crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces paired with the creamy gravy are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. This dish is great for those hectic nights or whenever you need a fast and easy dinner for the whole family. You’ll also find that it’s simple to prepare with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to create this delicious chicken dinner with ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. From the juicy chicken to the creamy gravy, this meal is not only easy to prepare but also quick enough for busy evenings. Let’s dive into the details of this fantastic smothered chicken recipe and get you started on making a meal your whole family will love!
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken pieces – The star of the dish! Either use boneless skinless chicken breasts for leaner meat or chicken thighs for a juicier option. The bone-in chicken will also work well if you prefer more flavour from the bone.
- Olive oil – Olive oil provides a smooth cooking medium with its mild flavor. It helps in crisping up the chicken skin and keeps it moist during the cooking process.
- Unsalted butter – By using unsalted butter, you can control the amount of salt in the dish, which is essential for maintaining the perfect balance of flavors. This makes the gravy extra tasty and flavorful.
- Chicken stock – Preferably low-sodium chicken stock to control the salt level and enhance the savory taste of the gravy. You can also use homemade stock if you prefer, but store-bought versions work great for quick prep.
- Heavy cream – Adds a smooth, velvety texture to the gravy, giving it a rich and creamy consistency that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Seasonings:
- Garlic powder – This adds a nice smell and flavor that pairs perfectly with delicious chicken.
- Onion powder – Adds another layer of savory goodness that blends well with garlic.
- Black pepper – For a slight kick and depth of flavor. It’s essential for seasoning the chicken.
- Cayenne pepper – If you want to spice it up, you can increase the cayenne pepper. This will give your dish a nice little kick.
- Poultry seasoning – This mixture of herbs, including marjoram, thyme, and sage, intensifies the chicken’s savory flavor.
Optional Additions:
- Crispy bacon – Adds a smoky, crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy gravy.
- Green bell peppers – These add a touch of sweetness and color, balancing out the richness of the gravy.
- Caramelized onions – Bring a lovely touch of sweetness that harmoniously complements the delicious savory notes of the chicken and gravy.
Suggested Side Pairings:
- White rice – A great base to soak up the creamy gravy and complement the flavors of the dish.
- Collard greens – A traditional Southern side dish that works wonderfully with the richness of the chicken and gravy.
- Creamy mashed potatoes – A comforting and indulgent side that is perfect for mopping up the creamy gravy.
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet – A cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving a nice sear on the chicken, but any large skillet will work. The skillet should be large enough to fit all the chicken pieces comfortably.
- Slow cooker or crockpot – The slow cooker is an excellent substitute for a hands-off cooking style. It lets the chicken cook low and slow, making it super tender.
- Meat thermometer – This tool will ensure a perfectly cooked chicken. The best internal temperature to aim for is 165°F (74°C).
Instructions
STEP 1: Preparation.
Grab some paper towels and pat the chicken pieces dry. This is important to ensure a crispier finish when frying. You don’t want the chicken to be wet, as it can prevent the chicken from browning properly. Once the chicken is dry, season it generously with black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add about a teaspoon of salt, or adjust to taste. For a slightly crispier texture, you can lightly coat the chicken with purpose flour before cooking.
This step is crucial because it creates a flavorful crust on the chicken that helps lock in the juices. If you prefer your chicken to have an extra crispy texture, consider adding a thin layer of flour or cornstarch before searing. This will give you a golden-brown, crunchy exterior that complements the smooth gravy.
STEP 2: Cooking the Chicken.
Pour olive or vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces already seasoned to the pan once the oil is hot. It’s preferable to Cook your chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, as overcrowding can prevent the chicken from browning properly.
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until you see a golden brown color over the sides. The thickness of your chicken pieces decides how long they’ll take to cook. If you’re using bone-in chicken pieces, make sure to cook them for a longer time, and don’t forget to check the temperature (165°F (74°C)).
STEP 3: Making the Gravy.
Once you’ve cooked the chicken, take it out of the skillet and let it chill on a plate for a bit. In that same pan, toss in some minced garlic and a pat of unsalted butter. Cook the garlic for a minute or two until it smells really good, but watch out so it doesn’t burn. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the heavy cream and stir to combine. The heavy cream will create a luscious, smooth gravy that coats the chicken beautifully.
If you want your gravy to be thicker, mix some flour with chicken stock and toss it in the pan while stirring it up to keep it from getting lumpy. This mix will get thicker as it simmers, making a smooth gravy that really sticks to the chicken. You can throw in some extra seasonings like black pepper, cayenne, or salt to suit your taste.
STEP 4: Finishing Touches.
After the gravy has thickened, return the chicken to the pan. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak in all the flavors of the gravy. This step is super important to make sure the chicken turns out nice and juicy. To kick it up a notch, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top before serving for a burst of freshness.
Slow Cooker Option.
If you want to make this dish the slow-cooked way, toss the browned chicken into a crockpot. Just pour the gravy mix over the chicken and let it cook on low for about 4-6 hours or on medium for around 3-4 hours. The slow cooker method results in incredibly tender chicken that falls off the bone and absorbs all the savory flavors from the gravy.
This method lets you just set it and forget it, which is fantastic for those busy days when you want a filling meal without putting in a ton of effort. Slow cooking really brings all the flavors together, resulting in a tasty gravy that’s perfect for mashed potatoes or rice.
Serving Suggestions.
Once the chicken is ready, it’s time to serve. This smothered chicken goes great with some creamy mashed potatoes, white rice, or collard greens. You can also add a side of sautéed vegetables or cornbread for a more complete meal. The creamy gravy is rich enough to complement any side dish, and the chicken’s savory flavor will shine through.
Tips for Perfect Smothered Chicken
- Use a Meat Thermometer: One of the key things to getting your chicken just right is using a meat thermometer. You want that chicken to hit an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This way, it’ll be juicy and fully cooked without getting dried out.
- Adjust the Heat: If you find that the gravy isn’t thickening as quickly as you’d like, you can turn up the heat to medium-high. However, make sure to stir constantly to prevent the gravy from burning.
- Storage Tips: If you’ve got any leftover smothered chicken, pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, warm it up on the stove over low heat and toss in a splash of chicken stock or heavy cream to make the gravy nice and saucy again.
- Customizing the Recipe: Feel free to tweak the recipe however you like! If you’re into it, throw in some crispy bacon for that excellent flavor, or toss in some sautéed onions or bell peppers for a touch of sweetness. Chicken thighs are a great swap, too; they’re juicier and pack way more flavor than breasts!
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (based on four servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Vitamin C: 10% of your daily intake
For a lower-sodium version, consider using reduced-sodium chicken stock and avoiding additional salt in the recipe.
Recipe Card and Additional Information
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Instructions:
- Dry and season chicken.
- Cook the chicken in a big skillet until it looks golden and delicious.
- Prepare the creamy gravy, and then add the chicken back to the pan.
- Simmer together and serve with your favorite sides.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swap out olive oil for vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil, but olive oil provides a slightly richer flavor.
How can I check the chicken’s internal temperature?
Just stick a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken. It should hit 165°F (74°C) to make sure it’s fully cooked.
What’s the best way to make homemade gravy?
To make homemade gravy, combine chicken stock, flour, and butter in the skillet. Whisk together to eliminate lumps, then add heavy cream for a smooth texture.
Conclusion
This smothered chicken recipe is about to be your new go-to! It’s super easy to make, super comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking it on the stove or tossing it in the slow cooker, you’ll get juicy, tender chicken smothered in creamy gravy that’s guaranteed to have everyone asking for more. Enjoy this cozy dish any night of the week, and feel free to mix in your favorite sides and seasonings to make it your own!
