This Easy Southern Smothered Chicken is a tasty dish that’s all about tender chicken swimming in a rich, creamy gravy. It’s super comforting and perfect for dinner!
Everyone loves a meal that feels like a hug! I enjoy serving this with rice or mashed potatoes so I can soak up that delicious gravy. Just be prepared for compliments! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are my favorite because they stay juicy and flavorful. If you’re looking for a lighter option, boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts can work, but adjust the cooking time as they cook faster.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used for dredging the chicken and thickening the gravy. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as an alternative. Just remember, the texture may vary slightly.
Vegetable Oil or Bacon Grease: I love using bacon grease for added flavor, but vegetable oil works perfectly too. If you want a healthier option, olive oil is a good choice, though it has a lower smoke point.
Chicken Broth: A good chicken broth enhances the flavor of the gravy. If you don’t have any on hand, homemade stock is even better! For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead. Just keep in mind the flavor will be different.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Browned Chicken Thighs?
Getting that golden, crispy skin on your chicken thighs is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet—a medium-high heat is ideal. Make sure your oil is shimmering before adding the chicken.
- Place the chicken skin-side down without crowding the pan. If you add too many pieces at once, they’ll steam instead of brown.
- Let it cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes; this helps develop that crispy skin. Flip it over and allow the other side to brown nicely too.
Remember, patience is key when browning chicken; don’t rush the process! Your tastebuds will thank you later!
Easy Southern Smothered Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, divided
For Cooking:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon grease
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Gravy:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 30-35 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be looking at around 50 minutes to enjoy a comforting meal of easy Southern smothered chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by mixing together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Take this mix and rub it evenly all over the chicken thighs, ensuring every piece is well-seasoned.
2. Dredge in Flour:
Next, put half of the flour in a shallow dish. Take each chicken thigh and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. This will help create a nice crust when you cook the chicken.
3. Brown the Chicken:
Heat the oil or bacon grease in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Flip them over and brown the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Onions:
Lower the heat to medium, and add the sliced onions to the same skillet. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and translucent.
5. Add the Garlic:
In this step, add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until you can smell the wonderful aroma.
6. Thicken the Gravy:
Sprinkle the remaining flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook the flour for about 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw taste.
7. Create the Gravy:
Now, slowly whisk in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. After that, pour in the milk or cream and continue stirring until the gravy thickens—this should take 3-5 minutes.
8. Combine Chicken and Gravy:
Add in the butter and optional dried thyme. Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet and spoon some of that delicious gravy over the top.
9. Simmer:
Cover the skillet, turn down the heat to low, and let everything simmer for about 25-30 minutes. This will ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and super tender.
10. Serve:
After simmering, garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve your delicious Southern smothered chicken hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite Southern sides, and get ready for some tasty compliments!
Enjoy your delicious, hearty Southern smothered chicken!
FAQ for Easy Southern Smothered Chicken
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts can be used. Just keep in mind that boneless chicken cooks faster, so check for doneness around the 15-20 minute mark during simmering.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, but the flavor will be milder. If using water, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for added depth!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and gravy in advance, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth if the gravy thickens too much while cooling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through for the best flavor and texture.
