Description
Craving comfort food at its finest? Smothered chicken is the ultimate soul-satisfying meal. Juicy, crispy chicken thighs are bathed in a rich, creamy gravy flavored with garlic, onions, and spices. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite veggies.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4–5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoning salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 Sazon seasoning packet
- 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 large white onion, sliced
- 7–8 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons reserved seasoned flour
Optional Garnish:
- Dried parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken
- Pat chicken thighs dry and bring them to room temperature.
- Season with 2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoning salt, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, and the Sazon seasoning packet.
- Prepare the Seasoned Flour
- Mix flour with 1 tablespoon Lawry’s seasoning salt, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, and cracked black pepper in a medium bowl.
- Coat and Brown the Chicken
- Dredge chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken for 5 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
- Build the Gravy Base
- Drain excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet.
- Add butter, onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until onions are softened.
- Stir in 4 tablespoons reserved seasoned flour. Cook for 3–5 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Simmer
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock, cooking until thickened (3–5 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream for a velvety finish.
- Combine Chicken and Gravy
- Return browned chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in gravy.
- Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover the skillet and bake for 45 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve
- Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. Garnish with dried parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
- Use room-temperature chicken for even browning.
- Don’t skip whisking the flour to avoid lumpy gravy.
- Bone-in chicken thighs add depth of flavor and stay moist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Southern