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Southern Smothered Chicken

Southern Smothered Chicken for Cozy Comfort Food Nights

Southern Smothered Chicken is a comforting dish where tender chicken thighs soak in a rich gravy, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 640

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Avoid boneless chicken for best results.
  • 4 pieces Bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
For the Coating and Seasoning
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Adjust to taste.
For Frying
  • 1/4 cup Vegetable oil or bacon grease
For the Gravy
  • 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves Fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 cups Chicken broth
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme leaves Can substitute with dried thyme.
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
  3. Dredge the chicken thighs and drumsticks in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
  4. Pour enough vegetable oil or bacon grease into a large skillet to cover the bottom (about 1/4 inch deep). Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Brown the chicken pieces in the hot oil skin-side down for about 5–7 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes.
  6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Lower the heat to medium and sauté the thinly sliced onions in the skillet for about 5 minutes or until soft.
  7. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, then sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of the reserved seasoned flour, mixing well.
  8. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes.
  9. Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme leaves. Allow to simmer gently for another 2 minutes until thickened.
  10. Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet, skin-side up, ensuring they are submerged in the gravy.
  11. Cover the skillet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or grits.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 37gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 860mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, let fried chicken rest before adding to the gravy. This helps lock in juices.

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