Smothered Chicken Recipe – Smothered Chicken is a classic Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The dish consists of chicken that is slow-cooked in a flavorful gravy made from a mixture of ingredients, including onions, garlic, and seasonings. It is typically cooked until it is tender and falling off the bone, then smothered in the rich and savory gravy.
The Origin
The origins of Smothered Chicken Recipe can be traced back to the rural South, where cooks would use simple ingredients to make meals for their families. Over time, the dish evolved to include more ingredients, such as mushrooms and bell peppers, to create a more complex and flavorful gravy.
Thinking about this recipe makes me want to sit up under all of the older ladies in my life who used to watch me. They used to make me and cousins feel so safe. I’m reminded of how all of these older ladies used to make a meal out of pretty much anything.
Making Smothered Chicken Recipe is a simple process that begins by browning chicken pieces in a pan until they are crispy and golden. The onions, garlic, and other seasonings are then added to the pan to create the base of the gravy. Once the ingredients have cooked together for a few minutes, chicken broth and additional seasonings are added to create a thick and rich sauce. The chicken is then returned to the pan and simmered until it is tender and the gravy has thickened.
Smothered Chicken is often served with rice or mashed potatoes, as the hearty and flavorful gravy pairs perfectly with these staple Southern sides. The dish can also be paired with greens, such as collard greens or black-eyed peas, to create a well-rounded meal.
After making this recipe once, your guests will not want to go home. You might not even invite them over once you taste the first bite. But, always remember to have fun when you’re cooking. You will be able to taste it in the food if you don’t, especially the gravy.
Now the Recipe
Easy Smothered Chicken
Ingredients
- 3½ lbs – Chicken Pieces (thighs, legs, or both), skin-on
- 1½ each – yellow onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp – garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp – butter
- 2½ cups – chicken stock or broth
- 2 oz – half & half 2 oz – vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp – seasoned salt or salt
- 2 tsp – black pepper
- 1 tbsp – onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp – paprika
- 2 tsp – poultry seasoning
Seasoned Flour
- 1½ cup – flour
- 1½ tbsp – seasoned salt or salt
- 1 tsp – black pepper
- 1 tbsp – onion powder
- 1 tbsp – garlic powder
- 1 tbsp – paprika
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken pieces. Make sure that the chicken pieces are clean as well.
- Mix together seasoned flour ingredients in a bowl or plastic bag. Hold for later use. Season the chicken with seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and poultry seasoning.
- Add oil to a cast-iron skillet or large sauté pan. Turn the heat to medium-high.
- Toss the chicken in seasoned flour. Make sure to shake off excess flour. Save the flour for later use. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Sear in batches and do not overcrowd the pan.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and hold it on a sheet tray. Remove the used oil from the pan. Add butter to the hot pan and melt. Add onions and sauté for about 3 -4 minutes or until half of the way cooked. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add 3 tbsp of the seasoned flour and mix with a rubber spatula. Once the two are fully combined, turn the heat down to medium.
- Whisk in your chicken stock or broth. Whisk fully to make sure there are no lumps. Add half & half. Allow the gravy to cook for 3 minutes. Taste and season if necessary. Begin adding your chicken back into the pan. Coat the chicken pieces with the gravy.
- Cover the chicken and allow it to cook on medium-low to medium heat for 30 – 35 minutes or until fully cooked. Remember to baste the chicken with the gravy every few minutes. Serve and enjoy!
In conclusion, Smothered Chicken is a classic Southern dish that has stood the test of time. With its tender and flavorful chicken and rich and savory gravy, it is no wonder that this dish remains a staple in Southern kitchens to this day. Whether you’re a fan of Southern cuisine or just looking for a hearty and comforting meal, Smothered Chicken is sure to please.
