The Juiciest Smothered Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Down-home southern comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible smothered chicken recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Tender chicken pieces nestle beneath a rich, velvety sauce that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Every bite carries deep, robust flavors melding perfectly with each ingredient.

Skillful seasoning transforms ordinary poultry into an extraordinary meal bursting with southern charm.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected spices dance across your palate, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Crispy edges and succulent meat guarantee this dish will become a beloved family favorite.

You’ll savor each mouthwatering moment and want to make this recipe again and again.

FAQs

• What makes the roux important in this recipe?

The roux helps thicken the sauce and create a rich, smooth texture that coats the chicken perfectly, adding depth of flavor and creating a luxurious gravy-like consistency.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork chops or turkey breasts while keeping the same seasoning and cooking technique. The sauce will work well with similar proteins.

• Why do I need to brown the chicken before simmering?

Browning creates a delicious golden crust that seals in the chicken’s moisture and develops a deeper, more complex flavor through the Maillard reaction, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Is this recipe considered a one-pan meal?

Absolutely! This smothered chicken recipe uses only one skillet from start to finish, which means less cleanup and a convenient cooking process that makes it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Smothered Chicken Feels Like The Ultimate Comfort Classic

• Quick and Simple Cooking: One-skillet preparation means fewer dishes and less cleanup, perfect for home cooks wanting convenience without sacrificing flavor.
• Comfort Food Champion: Rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug, ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables, making it adaptable for different tastes and dietary preferences.

All Items In Smothered Chicken

• Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that forms the heart of the dish, with thighs offering more richness and breasts providing a leaner option.

• Onion: Adds sweet and deep flavor to the sauce, providing a foundational taste profile.
• Garlic: Brings a robust, pungent taste that complements the chicken's mild flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Paprika: Provides a mild, sweet pepper flavor and adds a warm color to the chicken.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory base for the sauce and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps thicken the sauce.
• Flour: Helps to create a smooth, thick sauce by acting as a thickening agent.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle fruity flavor to the cooking process.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the final dish.

Smothered Chicken Recipe Method

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Generously coat chicken pieces with a blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoky paprika, ensuring every surface gets an even layer of seasoning.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the pan, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for about 5 minutes per side.

Once beautifully browned, transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Sliced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté onions until they become translucent and soft, then add garlic and cook for a quick minute to release its aromatic essence.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir continuously for one minute to create a smooth roux.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Whisk constantly to prevent any lumps from forming, creating a silky, rich sauce.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into the creamy sauce.

Cover and let simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the chicken becomes incredibly tender and fully cooked.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic, comforting meal.

Flavor-Packing Moves For Smothered Chicken Lovers

• Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance seasoning absorption and tenderness.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly and avoid scorching the roux or chicken.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
• Swap cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant or vegan preferences.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown exterior without steaming.

Save Smothered Chicken for Later

• Store leftover smothered chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2-3 months for later enjoyment.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Satisfying Sides for Smothered Chicken

• Wine Harmony: Select a crisp, medium-bodied Chardonnay with light oak notes to complement the creamy sauce and enhance the chicken's rich flavor.
• Perfect Side Kick: Pair with roasted garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the luxurious sauce and provide a comforting texture contrast.
• Veggie Companion: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or green beans with a light lemon zest to cut through the dish's richness and add a fresh, bright element.
• Fresh Finish: Top with quick-pickled red onions to introduce a tangy, acidic note that balances the creamy sauce and adds a zesty pop of color.

Smothered Chicken Served in New Ways

• Keto Chicken Delight: Replace flour with almond flour and use heavy cream instead of regular cream to reduce carbohydrates, maintaining the rich, creamy sauce while keeping it low-carb friendly.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter and cream with coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk, creating a smooth sauce that accommodates lactose-intolerant individuals without sacrificing flavor.
• Herb-Infused Version: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage into the seasoning mix, adding depth and aromatic complexity to the classic smothered chicken recipe.
• Spicy Cajun Spin: Mix Cajun seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika for a bold, zesty flavor profile that brings a Louisiana-inspired kick to the traditional dish.

Smothered Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Southern smothered chicken delights taste buds with rich, velvety sauce and tender meat that melts in your mouth. Comforting flavors bring warmth to dinner tables, inviting hearty enjoyment with each satisfying bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts (or thighs)

Vegetable and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) flour
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Paprika to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Mix salt, pepper, and paprika, then thoroughly coat each chicken piece with the seasoning blend.
2. Place a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat and melt a combination of olive oil and butter until shimmering.
3. Carefully lay seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 4-5 minutes per surface.
4. Transfer browned chicken to a clean plate, keeping the delectable pan drippings intact.
5. Introduce sliced onions into the same skillet, sautéing until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
6. Add minced garlic and swirl quickly to prevent burning, releasing its aromatic essence.
7. Sprinkle flour over the onion-garlic mixture, stirring constantly to create a smooth, nutty roux.
8. Slowly stream chicken broth and cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a silky sauce.
9. Carefully nestle browned chicken pieces back into the creamy sauce, reducing heat to a gentle simmer.
10. Cover the skillet and allow the chicken to cook through, becoming exceptionally tender, for roughly 25-30 minutes.
11. Verify chicken is fully cooked by ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
12. Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the dish for a vibrant, herbaceous touch.

Notes

• Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring more tender meat during the cooking process.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or almond flour when making the roux, maintaining the same creamy consistency.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat without overcooking.
• Transform this dish into a lower-fat option by using skinless chicken breasts and replacing heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for reduced calories.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 100mg