Description
This Southern Smothered Chicken recipe features pan-fried chicken simmered in a creamy, flavorful onion gravy. It’s a comforting one-pan meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Dredge the seasoned chicken pieces lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add sliced onions and cook until softened and caramelized, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour into the pan and stir to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in the cream or milk and bring to a gentle simmer until the gravy thickens.
- Return the chicken to the pan, coating it in the gravy.
- Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks are recommended for moisture and flavor.
- Whisk gravy ingredients continuously to prevent lumps.
- For a lighter gravy, use whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Fried and Simmered
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece with gravy
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
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