Description
Southern Smothered Chicken is a comforting, hearty dish featuring juicy, seared chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy gravy infused with aromatic herbs and spices. This soulful meal is perfect for family dinners, delivering warmth and flavor with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 lbs chicken pieces (legs or thighs)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Gravy Components
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp thyme, dried
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp butter
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the chicken pieces, ensuring every piece is well-coated to enhance natural flavors during cooking.
- Sear: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides for approximately 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Sauté: Remove the chicken from the skillet. In the same pan, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and aromatic.
- Whisk: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute until it turns golden. This step thickens the gravy and gives it a luscious texture.
- Pour: Gradually add chicken broth to the pan while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Add: Stir in heavy cream, dried thyme, paprika, and bay leaves. Mix everything well; the gravy should become creamy and deeply flavorful.
- Return: Place the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the gravy. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Garnish: Once done, remove from heat and discard the bay leaves. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, colorful finish before serving.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Chicken thighs or legs work best as they stay juicy and absorb the gravy flavors well.
- For a thicker gravy, allow it to simmer a bit longer uncovered.
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttery biscuits for a complete meal.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
