This Easy Smothered Chicken is a cozy dish that’s perfect for any night. The chicken is tender and covered in a rich, creamy gravy that’s so good you’ll want to lick the plate!
I love serving this dish over rice or mashed potatoes—who can resist that creamy goodness? Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making weeknight dinners feel special! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using bone-in, skin-on thighs for their juiciness and flavor. If you prefer, boneless chicken breasts will work but may cook faster—just keep an eye on them!
Onion: A medium onion adds depth to the gravy. You can swap it out for shallots or even green onions if that’s what you have. Shallots give a milder taste!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor! If you’re out, garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) can be a convenient substitute, but add it in with the broth to avoid burning it.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream gives richness, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter version. Just remember, the gravy may be less thick.
Chicken Broth: Any broth will work, including vegetable broth for a lighter option. Homemade stocks will elevate the flavor if you have them handy!
What’s the Best Technique for Browning Chicken?
Browning the chicken is crucial for rich flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a dry chicken—pat it with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin get crispy.
- Heat the oil until it’s hot but not smoking. You should hear a nice sizzle when the chicken hits the pan.
- Place chicken skin-side down and avoid overcrowding. Give them space to breathe; this creates a perfect golden crust!
- Cook without moving them for 5-7 minutes until golden, then flip and repeat.
Perfectly browned chicken gives your dish a fantastic base flavor that you’ll love!
Easy Smothered Chicken With Creamy Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)
For the Gravy:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. You’ll have a delicious, comforting meal ready in just 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better! Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces skin-side down. Let them cook without moving for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onions:
Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and caramelize, about 8 minutes. This adds lots of flavor to your gravy!
4. Add Garlic and Flour:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds just until fragrant. Next, sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This helps to remove the raw flour taste and thicken the gravy.
5. Create the Gravy:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—those are packed with flavor! Then stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
6. Simmer with Chicken:
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the gravy. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
7. Final Touches:
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. If you’d like, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delightful smothered chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy each creamy, comforting bite!
Dig in and savor the warmth of this Easy Smothered Chicken with Creamy Gravy! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Smothered Chicken With Creamy Gravy
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be used; however, they may cook faster. Keep an eye on them; they should be done in about 15-20 minutes of simmering.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with a bit of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the gravy to avoid lumps.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and gravy in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to freshen it up if needed.
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This smothered chicken pairs wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes, allowing you to soak up that delicious gravy. For a healthier option, consider serving it with steamed vegetables or a leafy green salad!
