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Irresistibly Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken, a comforting dish that embodies heartwarming nostalgia with its savory flavors.
Course Chicken Recipes
Cuisine Southern
Keyword Comfort Food, Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken, easy chicken recipe, Family Dinner, hearty meal
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 6 pieces bone-in chicken mix of thighs and drumsticks
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh garlic for extra flavor

For the Gravy

  • 4 tablespoons butter or olive oil for a lighter option
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic fresh
  • 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium for healthier option
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch for gluten-free option
  • 1 teaspoon thyme fresh or dried
  • 1 leaf bay leaf

For the Finish

  • 2 tablespoons green onions chopped for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley optional

Instructions

Cooking Steps

  • Generously season your bone-in chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Let them sit aside for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Once sizzling, add the seasoned chicken skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and brown the other side for an additional 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  • Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic, stirring well to combine. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, adding thyme and bay leaf. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and sprinkle with chopped green onions and parsley for a fresh garnish. Serve hot.

Notes

Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or cornbread for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 2mg