Smothered Chicken Recipe

This Smothered Chicken recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a seasoned flour mixture and cooked until golden brown. The chicken is then simmered in a creamy, rich gravy made from caramelized onions, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a delicious, home-cooked meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium-to-large onion, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream

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Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:
   • Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Seasoned Flour:
   • In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the seasoned flour in a separate small bowl to thicken the gravy later.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While the skillet heats, dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, coating both sides evenly.
   • Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Cook the Onions:
   • Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and golden. If the onions begin to burn, lower the heat.
5. Make the Gravy:
   • Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of seasoned flour into the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
   • Gradually add chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to dissolve the flour and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
   • Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Finish the Dish:
   • Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) and the gravy has thickened. Adjust the heat as needed to thicken the gravy.
   • Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful Gravy: The combination of sautéed onions and creamy sauce creates a savory, flavorful gravy that pairs perfectly with tender chicken.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps result in a delicious homemade dish, ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
• Comfort Food at its Best: Smothered chicken is a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Tips

• Thin Chicken Cutlets: Cutting the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets ensures quicker cooking and even browning.
• Onion Browning: Be patient while cooking the onions—slowly caramelized onions add deep flavor to the dish.
• Gravy Consistency: If the gravy gets too thick, simply add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Proteins: You can substitute chicken with boneless pork chops or turkey cutlets.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Extra Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the skillet along with the onions for added flavor.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs would work perfectly in this recipe. They will have a slightly different texture but are just as delicious.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover smothered chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the smothered chicken along with the gravy. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat on the stove after thawing.

Serving

• Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious gravy.
• For a lighter side, pair with a simple salad or steamed green beans.

Suggestions

• Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor and color.
• Serve with a side of warm crusty bread to dip into the creamy gravy.