Savor the comforting flavors of the South with a delightful Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe that promises to win your heart. It’s a heartwarming dish filled with juicy chicken, seasoned to perfection and bathed in a rich, creamy gravy that’s unforgettable. Whether it’s a special family dinner or a Sunday feast, this Southern classic brings warmth and smiles to the dining table.
Ingredients
Here’s your lineup of essential ingredients to craft the perfect Southern Smothered Chicken:
- 6 pieces of chicken (thighs or drumsticks recommended)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Equipments
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
How to Make Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Season & Coat the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Roll each chicken piece in the flour mixture until well-coated. This not only gives the chicken a delicious crust but also thickens the gravy.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Heat the vegetable oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured chicken pieces. Fry them until they achieve a golden-brown crust on both sides. As they brown, remove each piece and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
With the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Sauté them in the remaining oil till they’re soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
Step 4: Prepare the Gravy
Add the flour used for coating the chicken to the onions. Stir continuously to avoid lumps, then gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking. Follow up with milk and heavy cream, simmering until the gravy thickens.
Step 5: Smother the Chicken
Return the chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them in the savory gravy. Add a dollop of butter and simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing flavors to blend beautifully.
How to Serve Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe
Your magnificent Southern Smothered Chicken can be served atop a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or alongside steamed white rice, soaking up every bit of that luscious gravy. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Keep your chicken juicy by not over-frying at the start. Also, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of Southern heat. Enjoy experimenting with using bone-in chicken, which intensifies the flavor as it cooks.
High-Protein Southern Delight
Boost this recipe’s protein content by incorporating boneless, skinless chicken breasts or adding cooked chickpeas to the gravy. This turns a cozy meal into an ultimate protein powerhouse while maintaining its traditional taste.
Flavorful Low-Carb Southern Chicken
For a low-carb twist, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour and omit heavy cream for a lighter version. Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles and feel good indulging in this comfort food without the carbs!
Storage Instructions
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to thin the gravy.
FAQs
Can I make the gravy gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
Is this dish spicy? Traditional Southern Smothered Chicken is not spicy, but you can add cayenne for a kick.
Can I use chicken breast instead? Absolutely! Adjust cooking times as breasts may cook faster than thighs.
What if my gravy is too thick? Simply whisk in additional milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? Fry only until golden brown before simmering in gravy to keep it juicy.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Classic
This Southern Smothered Chicken is a testament to comfort and flavor. The ease of preparation paired with its rich, savory taste makes it a perfect go-to for home cooks. Invite your friends and family to enjoy this dish, share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to bookmark this recipe for all future cravings!
Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken thighs or drumsticks recommended
- all-purpose flour
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- vegetable oil
- onion
- chicken broth
- whole milk
- heavy cream
- unsalted butter
Instructions
Steps
- In a mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Roll each chicken piece in the flour mixture until well-coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured chicken pieces. Fry them until they achieve a golden-brown crust on both sides. As they brown, remove each piece and set aside on a plate.
- With the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Sauté them in the remaining oil till they’re soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
- Add the flour used for coating the chicken to the onions. Stir continuously to avoid lumps, then gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking. Follow up with milk and heavy cream, simmering until the gravy thickens.
- Return the chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them in the savory gravy. Add a dollop of butter and simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing flavors to blend beautifully.