Smothered Chicken

There’s something irresistibly comforting about Smothered Chicken, don’t you think? It’s the kind of dish that brings back warm memories, like gathering around the dinner table on a chilly evening with family, everyone digging in and savoring at the same time. This recipe is a go-to in my kitchen, and I promise that once you give it a try, you’ll want to make it over and over again. Let’s dive into the heart of this delicious comfort food!

Why you’ll love this recipe

What makes this Smothered Chicken so special? It’s not just the succulent chicken breasts enveloped in a rich and creamy gravy—though that certainly helps—it’s the layered flavors that unfold with each bite. You’ve got the earthy sweetness of sautéed onions, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the robust depth from the chicken broth. This dish is a hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners, or even just to treat yourself after a long day.

Not to mention, it’s deceptively simple to whip up! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a chef-worthy meal that impresses without stressing you out. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder, which means less clean-up time and more time to relax. If you’ve been looking for a cozy recipe that satisfies both your taste buds and your busy schedule, this is it!

Gather these ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless cuts for ease. If you’re feeling adventurous, bone-in chicken can add extra flavor, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time.

• 1 cup chicken broth: Homemade is ideal for depth, but store-bought works just fine. Low-sodium options are a smart play since you can control seasoning.

• 1/2 cup milk: Use whole milk for richness or any dairy substitute you enjoy, like almond or oat milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened if you go dairy-free!

• 1 onion, diced: A yellow onion brings sweetness and depth, but if you’re in a pinch, a white onion will work, too.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a game-changer for flavor, but if you only have powdered, about 1/2 teaspoon will suffice.

• 1/4 cup flour: This helps thicken the gravy. For a gluten-free version, cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend can be used.

• Salt and pepper to taste: A little seasoning goes a long way. Feel free to use your favorite spice blends here!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is for sautéing. You can substitute with vegetable oil or butter, depending on what you have handy.

• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional): Parsley or thyme adds a lovely finish, but it’s completely optional—your choice!

Preparing Smothered Chicken

1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy—this is your chance to pack in flavor!

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until beautifully browned. They’re not fully cooked yet, so after browning, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant—think about 3-4 minutes. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible!

4. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine—this is where the magic begins! Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Keep stirring until it thickens into a luscious gravy; this takes just a few minutes—don’t rush it!

5. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it right into the gravy. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and soak up all that glorious flavor.

6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if you have them. It’s the finishing touch that adds a burst of color and brightness to your dish!

How to plate and pair

When serving Smothered Chicken, presentation matters! Lay a chicken breast on each plate, generously spoon the gravy over the top—don’t be stingy! Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up that heartwarming gravy. Crusty bread is a delightful addition too, perfect for sopping up every last drop.

Pair it with steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a colorful balance. Trust me, this meal will have everyone at the table going back for seconds (or thirds!).

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the gravy has thickened too much. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer bag or container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Pro chef tips

• Don’t skip browning the chicken: This step adds an incredible depth of flavor that enriches the entire dish.
• Don’t hesitate to taste as you go: Adjust the seasonings to your liking. A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce can add a fun twist!
• Herbs are your friends: Fresh herbs elevate the dish, and don’t forget dried herbs can be used in the gravy if you don’t have fresh on hand.

Recipe variations

Feeling creative? There are so many ways to personalize this dish! Add a splash of white wine when cooking the onions for a gourmet touch. For an extra kick, incorporate some diced bell peppers or mushrooms. You could even add a handful of spinach right at the end for some greens! If you’re on a healthier kick, try swapping half the milk with Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy twist while keeping it lighter.

Your questions answered

1. How long does it take to make this dish?

   • Prep, cook, and serve in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight!

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

   • Absolutely! You can prepare the gravy and chicken, store it, and then reheat when you’re ready to serve.

3. What else can I serve it with?

   • Consider creamy polenta, roasted vegetables, or even pasta—they all work beautifully!

4. Can I make it spicy?

   • Definitely! Add crushed red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic or toss in some diced jalapeños.

5. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

   • For sure! Using almond milk or coconut milk works well, and you can substitute nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor if desired.

If cooking is like telling a story, then Smothered Chicken is the cozy chapter that you’ll always want to revisit. It’s fulfilling, delicious, and pleasantly uncomplicated. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get cooking! Please, share your adventures in the comments—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Get ready to make some tasty memories!

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Smothered Chicken

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 40 hrs

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 600

Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Smothered Chicken, featuring succulent chicken breasts in a rich, creamy gravy. Perfect for family dinners or treating yourself after a long day.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts (Boneless, skinless for ease or bone-in for extra flavor.)
• 1 cup chicken broth (Low-sodium recommended.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk (Whole milk or unsweetened dairy substitute.)
• 1 piece onion, diced (Yellow onion preferred for sweetness.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh is best, powdered can be substituted.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup flour (For thickening gravy; cornstarch for gluten-free.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (For sautéing, can substitute vegetable oil or butter.)
• to taste salt and pepper (Season generously.)
• optional fresh herbs for garnish (Parsley or thyme.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken

   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.
   Mark as complete

2. Cook the Aromatics

   In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   Mark as complete

3. Make the Gravy

   Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring until gravy thickens.
   Mark as complete

4. Finish the Dish

   Return the chicken to the skillet, nestle it into the gravy, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
   Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 30g47%

Saturated Fat 8g40%

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 40g14%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 2g

Protein 50g100%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the gravy.

Keywords: Smothered Chicken, comfort food, easy dinner, one-pan recipe