This easy smothered chicken features juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich and creamy gravy. It’s comfort food that warms the heart and fills the belly!
You won’t believe how simple it is to make this dish. I often whip it up on busy nights and serve it with rice or mashed potatoes for a cozy meal—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish light. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs, which are juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly for thighs, as they might take a bit longer to cook through.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for thickening the gravy. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute with cornstarch. Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and add it to the gravy to thicken.
Milk or Cream: Whole milk gives a nice creaminess, but you can use half-and-half for richer flavor. If you’re dairy-free, coconut milk works well, keeping things creamy and adding a different twist.
Seasonings: I love using thyme or Italian seasoning; they add depth. You could substitute with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley, or even go for some Cajun seasoning for a kick!
How Do I Get the Gravy Just Right?
Making smooth, creamy gravy is a key part of this recipe. Here’s how to ensure it’s perfect every time:
- Start by whisking the flour into a little chicken broth to form a slurry. This prevents lumps when you add it to the skillet.
- Add the broth slowly while stirring. This gradual process allows for a creamier texture.
- Let the gravy simmer! This will help it thicken, and flavors will meld together well. Keep stirring occasionally.
Don’t rush! Good gravy needs that little bit of time to develop its flavor and texture. You’ll love the results!
Easy Smothered Chicken and Creamy Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, divided
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and seasoning the chicken, 15 minutes cooking everything in the skillet, and around 5 minutes for garnishing and serving. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. This gives the chicken a lovely flavor right from the start.
2. Dredging in Flour:
In a shallow dish, pour in 1/4 cup of flour. Take each chicken breast and lightly dredge it in the flour, making sure to shake off the excess. This will help create a golden crust when you cook it.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Sautéing the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This adds great flavor to your gravy!
5. Adding Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
6. Making the Gravy Base:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup of flour and a little bit of chicken broth to form a smooth slurry—this prevents lumps in your gravy.
7. Pour in Broth and Cream:
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to keep the mixture smooth. Then, add the milk or cream and dried thyme. Stir until everything is well combined.
8. Thickening the Gravy:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
9. Combining Chicken and Gravy:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the gravy over the top, cover the skillet, and allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and warms the chicken through.
10. Garnishing and Serving:
Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color. Serve the smothered chicken hot over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a comforting meal. Enjoy your homemade dish!
Enjoy your easy smothered chicken with creamy gravy!
FAQ for Easy Smothered Chicken and Creamy Gravy
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, you can substitute them with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just ensure they are cooked through—this may take a bit longer than breasts.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can use water, but your gravy may be less flavorful. For added taste, consider using vegetable broth or even a bouillon cube dissolved in water as a substitute. It works perfectly!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time! Cook everything as instructed, then cool and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the gravy if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Enjoy it again for a quick and satisfying meal!
