How to Make Delicious Smothered Chicken

If you’re looking for a comforting and easy dinner recipe, you can’t go wrong with smothered chicken. This Southern classic is the epitome of comfort food, with juicy chicken smothered in a rich and creamy gravy. The best part? It’s a one-pan meal that can be made in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.

To make smothered chicken, you’ll need simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. Bone-in chicken pieces are seared until golden brown and then cooked in a flavorful roux-based gravy. The result is tender, mouthwatering chicken that’s bursting with flavor and served with a deliciously thick gravy. It’s so good, you’ll be reaching for seconds! In this article, we’ll go through the steps to make smothered chicken and provide tips on making the dish even more delicious. So, put your apron on and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Smothered Chicken

Smothered chicken is a classic Southern dish that can be made with a few simple ingredients. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

1. Chicken – 4 to 6 chicken thighs or breasts.
2. Salt – to taste.
3. Black pepper – to taste.
4. Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon.
5. Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon.
6. Onion powder – 1 teaspoon.
7. All-purpose flour – 1 cup.
8. Butter – 1/2 cup.
9. Vegetable oil – 1/2 cup.
10. Chicken broth – 2 cups.

Preparing the Chicken

Before you start cooking, ensure that the chicken is clean and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix all the seasonings with all-purpose flour in a separate bowl.

Browning the Chicken

It’s important to brown the chicken before the smothering process begins. Heat the butter and vegetable oil in a large skillet or casserole on medium-high heat. Coat the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture and put it in the skillet. Cook it for about 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Preparation of the Gravy

Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and let it rest. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits at the bottom. Add more flour if necessary to make thick gravy.

Smothering the Chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the gravy over it. The chicken should be covered by the gravy completely. Put a lid on the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 to 40 minutes. The gravy will thicken, and the chicken will become tender and juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Smothered chicken is typically served with a side of greens, cornbread, and mashed potatoes or rice. The gravy is poured over the chicken and any sides you choose to serve it with.

Variations

There are many ways to add your unique twist to this classic Southern dish. Some people like to add sliced onions or bell peppers to the gravy. You can also use different herbs and spices to infuse the gravy with more flavor.

Tips

You can use bone-in or boneless chicken pieces for this recipe. However, bone-in chicken pieces will take longer to cook. The gravy can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the gravy and pour it over the chicken when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Smothered chicken is a comforting, delicious meal that’s easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Try out different variations and let your creativity run wild. Happy cooking!

Ingredients for Smothered Chicken

Before making smothered chicken, it is essential to gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure that the dish turns out as desired. The ingredients required for a basic smothered chicken recipe are readily available in most kitchens and include the following:

1. Chicken: Any cut of chicken can be used for smothered chicken, but bone-in chicken is the best for juicy, flavorful chicken.

2. Flour: All-purpose flour is the most commonly used flour for smothered chicken, as it helps to thicken the sauce and creates a golden brown crust.

3. Oil: Canola oil or vegetable oil is best for frying the chicken.

4. Onion: Almost all smothered chicken recipes call for onion, not only for flavor but also as a thickener for the sauce.

5. Bell Peppers: Bell peppers add a sweet and colorful touch to the dish.

6. Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent flavor to the dish and is often used in smothered chicken.

7. Salt: Salt is the essential seasoning that brings out the flavor of all the ingredients.

8. Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a warm and full flavor to the dish.

9. Thyme: Thyme is a must-have herb for smothered chicken and adds an earthy flavor to the dish.

10. Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is a vital liquid for smothered chicken as it creates the sauce.

Proper measurements and preparation of these ingredients will largely affect the outcome of the smothered chicken dish. Make sure to read the recipe carefully, measure everything out accordingly, and follow the required method to get the desired results.

Preparation of Smothered Chicken

The preparation process of smothered chicken is simple, but it takes time and requires patience. Here’s a step-by-step process on how to make smothered chicken:

1. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.

2. Dredge the chicken in flour, shake off any excess flour and set aside.

3. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken to the skillet. Fry the chicken until it becomes golden brown on both sides.

4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

5. In the same skillet, add onions, bell peppers, and garlic and cook until they become fragrant. This takes about three to four minutes.

6. Add the remaining flour to the skillet and stir. This creates a roux that will thicken the sauce.

7. Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring continuously. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to remove any brown bits that may add flavor to the sauce.

8. Combine the chicken and the sauce in the skillet. Add thyme and stir.

9. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken simmer in the sauce over low heat for about 50-60 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

10. Serve the smothered chicken hot over rice or mashed potatoes with your favorite veggies.

The smothered chicken dish has some variations, and you can add other ingredients depending on your preferences. Some people prefer to spice it up by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Cheese can also be added to the sauce for a cheesier touch.

With these easy-to-follow steps, making your very own smothered chicken at home is possible. Take your time, follow the recipe, and enjoy your homemade smothered chicken with your family and friends!

Ingredients for Smothered Chicken

Smothered chicken is a delicious and classic southern dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Here are the ingredients you’ll need for smothered chicken:

Steps on How to Make Smothered Chicken

Now that you have all the ingredients you need, it’s time to learn how to make smothered chicken. Here are the steps you can follow:

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure to coat each piece evenly.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken with Flour

Next, dredge your seasoned chicken in flour. Shake off any excess and set aside.

Step 3: Heat up the Oil

Pour your canola oil into a skillet and heat it up over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in your floured chicken pieces. Cook until each piece is golden brown, then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Saute the Vegetables

In the same skillet, saute your chopped onions, green bell peppers, and celery until they’re soft and translucent.

Step 5: Add the Tomato Sauce and Broth

Once your vegetables are cooked, add in your tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir until everything is combined.

Step 6: Simmer the Chicken

Add your Worcestershire sauce to the skillet and stir. Then, add your cooked chicken pieces back into the pan. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to turn the chicken pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking.

That’s it! Your smothered chicken is now ready to be served. You can pair it with some rice, mashed potatoes, or even some steamed vegetables. This recipe is perfect for dinner parties or for when you’re looking for a comforting and hearty dish. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Happy Cooking!

I hope you enjoyed learning about how to make smothered chicken! Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and finding your own personal touch. Don’t be afraid to try different ingredients or cooking methods. And of course, the best part of cooking is sharing your delicious creations with others. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to come back for more tasty recipe ideas!