Smothered Chicken: A Comfort Food Classic

Few dishes deliver the warmth and satisfaction of Smothered Chicken. This Southern-inspired comfort food is a hearty and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich, creamy gravy. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special weekend treat, this recipe is guaranteed to bring everyone to the table.

Why Smothered Chicken is a Must-Try Dish

Smothered chicken is the ultimate comfort food. The golden-browned chicken thighs simmering in a luscious, seasoned gravy are pure perfection. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up every drop of the sauce, and you’ll have a dish that’s not only delicious but also deeply satisfying.

Ingredients for Smothered Chicken

Here’s what you need to create this flavorful dish:

For the Chicken

Ingredient	Amount
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs	4–5
Lawry’s seasoning salt	2 tsp + 1 tbsp
Garlic powder	2 tbsp
Paprika	2 tbsp
Sazon packet	1
Cracked black pepper	2 tsp
Flour	About 2 cups

For the Gravy

Ingredient	Amount
Avocado or vegetable oil	2 tbsp
Butter	2 tbsp
White onion (sliced)	½ large
Garlic (chopped)	7–8 cloves
Crushed red pepper flakes	¼ tsp
Reserved seasoned flour	4 tbsp
Chicken stock	2 ½ cups
Heavy cream	½ cup
Dried parsley (for garnish)	To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Bring your chicken thighs to room temperature and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season the chicken thoroughly with 2 teaspoons of Lawry’s seasoning salt, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 Sazon packet, and cracked black pepper. Rub the seasonings into both sides of the chicken.

2. Season the Flour

1. In a bowl, mix the flour with 1 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of paprika, and 2 teaspoons of cracked black pepper. Whisk to combine.
2. Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour, ensuring an even coat on all sides. Shake off any excess flour and set the chicken aside. Reserve 4 tablespoons of the seasoned flour for the gravy.

3. Brown the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

4. Sauté the Aromatics

1. If there’s too much oil left in the pan, remove some, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
2. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt.
3. Stir in the sliced onions, chopped garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.

5. Make the Gravy

1. Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of the reserved seasoned flour over the onion mixture and whisk continuously for 3–5 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
2. Gradually pour in the chicken stock while whisking to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for 3–5 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and mix until the gravy is smooth and creamy.

6. Smother the Chicken

1. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Pour in any juices that may have collected from the resting chicken.
2. Bring the skillet to a boil, then cover it with a lid.

7. Bake the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the covered skillet in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
3. The chicken should be tender, and the gravy should be rich and flavorful.

8. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the chicken with dried parsley.
2. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables to soak up the delicious gravy.

Tips for Perfect Smothered Chicken

1. Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this dish because they stay moist and add extra flavor to the gravy.

2. Don’t Skip the Searing

Browning the chicken creates a flavorful crust and helps develop rich flavors in the gravy.

3. Reserve Some Flour

Saving a portion of the seasoned flour is essential for making a flavorful, well-seasoned gravy.

4. Adjust the Spice Level

If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

5. Let the Chicken Rest

Allowing the chicken to rest after searing helps retain its juices, ensuring tender and juicy meat.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (serves 4):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	490
Protein	28g
Fat	34g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	920mg

Creative Variations

1. Smothered Chicken with Mushrooms

Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions for an earthy twist.

2. Cajun Smothered Chicken

Replace the seasoning blend with Cajun seasoning for a spicy, Southern-inspired variation.

3. Dairy-Free Option

Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.

4. Veggie-Packed Gravy

Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the skillet for added flavor and texture.

5. Smothered Pork Chops

Try the same recipe using bone-in pork chops instead of chicken thighs for a delicious alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Smothered Chicken with these sides to create a complete meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate side for soaking up the creamy gravy.
• Steamed Rice: A lighter option that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a balanced meal.
• Buttermilk Biscuits: Perfect for sopping up every last bit of gravy.

Storage and Reheating Tips

1. Refrigeration

Store leftover smothered chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Freezing

Freeze the chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

3. Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the gravy from separating. Add a splash of chicken stock if the gravy becomes too thick.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, but keep in mind that bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the dish.

2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or evaporated milk works well as a substitute for heavy cream.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and gravy in advance, then reheat in the oven before serving.

4. How do I prevent the gravy from being lumpy?

Whisk the flour continuously when making the roux and gradually add the chicken stock while whisking to ensure a smooth gravy.

5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! Mushrooms, carrots, and celery are great additions to enhance the flavor and texture.

6. What’s the best way to check if the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

This Smothered Chicken recipe is a classic comfort food that never fails to delight. With its perfectly seasoned chicken thighs and rich, creamy gravy, it’s a dish that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

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