Smothered Chicken Recipe

Name: Smothered Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp paprika; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Southern-Style Smothered Chicken Recipe with Rich Onion Gravy Easy, One-Skillet Comfort Food

A Comforting Classic: Smothered Chicken Recipe That’s Full of Flavor

Why This Smothered Chicken Recipe Is a Must-Try

Few meals capture the heart and soul of Southern cooking quite like a Smothered Chicken Recipe. Tender chicken, seared to golden perfection, then simmered gently in a rich, oniony gravy this dish is the very definition of comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a hearty weekend meal, this quick easy Smothered Chicken Recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.

Versatile, Comforting, and Packed with Flavor

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it on the stovetop or even transform it into a delicious Smothered Chicken Recipe in oven for a set-it-and-forget-it approach. Whichever way you choose, the result is melt-in-your-mouth chicken in a savory, creamy gravy that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even fluffy biscuits.

What Makes This the Best Smothered Chicken Recipe

What sets this apart as the best Smothered Chicken Recipe is the combination of simple pantry spices and a deeply flavorful homemade gravy. The onions are cooked until they’re soft and slightly caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness. Adding a touch of heavy cream (optional) gives the gravy a luxurious finish that takes this dish to the next level.

Everyday Ingredients, Restaurant-Quality Results

Another great benefit? This meal uses everyday ingredients but delivers restaurant-quality flavor. You don’t need to be a professional chef just follow the steps and you’ll have a comforting dish the whole family will love.

A Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again

Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or need a comforting meal in a pinch, this Smothered Chicken Recipe is an easy, budget-friendly option that never disappoints. With tips for both stovetop and oven preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Ready to Cook?

So grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!

Print Recipe

Comfort Food

Smothered Chicken Recipe

Author: Cook Rella Cooking Method: Pan-frying, Simmering Cuisine: Southern American

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 35 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins

Cooking Temp: 350 F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 550

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary:

C Contains Dairy C Contains Gluten C Contains meat

Description

Cozy up with this comforting smothered chicken recipe, made with juicy, pan-seared chicken and a rich homemade onion gravy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday family meals, this easy Southern-style dish comes together in one skillet. Customize it with cream for extra richness or finish as a smothered chicken recipe in oven for a tender, fall-apart finish. It’s the best smothered chicken recipe for flavor, ease, and soul-satisfying comfort.

Instructions

Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then rub the seasoning all over both sides of each piece.
Mark as complete
Coat and Cook the Chicken
Pour the flour onto a plate and lightly coat each piece of chicken, shaking off any extra.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Mark as complete
Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re soft and golden.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well so everything is coated. Cook for 1–2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to loosen any bits stuck to the pan.
Let it come to a gentle simmer.
If you’re using heavy cream, stir it in now.
Add a little salt and pepper to taste.
Mark as complete
Smother the Chicken
Put the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the gravy.
Spoon some of the gravy over the chicken.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all the flavor and stay nice and tender.
Mark as complete
Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top (if you like) and serve the smothered chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 510kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 31g48%
Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 145mg49%
Sodium 780mg33%
Total Carbohydrate 19g7%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 3g
Protein 38g76%

Vitamin A 750 IU
Vitamin C 3.6 mg
Calcium 78 mg
Iron 2.2 mg

* 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

Thighs vs. Breasts: Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but chicken breasts work well too just don’t overcook them.

Low and Slow: Simmering the chicken gently helps it stay tender and lets it soak up all that delicious gravy.

Add Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.

Cream is Optional: Heavy cream makes the gravy richer, but you can skip it for a lighter version.

Make it Ahead: This dish reheats beautifully perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day.

Oven Option: After browning the chicken and making the gravy, you can finish everything in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes.

Best Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, white rice, or egg noodles to soak up the gravy.

Thicken Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, let it simmer a few extra minutes uncovered to thicken.

Keywords: smothered chicken, chicken in gravy, southern chicken recipe, chicken skillet dinner, creamy chicken,oven smothered chicken, homemade chicken recipe, quick dinner chicken

Your Feedback Matters:

File under chicken comfort food creamy gravy easy dinner fried chicken homestyle chicken onion gravy skillet recipe smothered chicken southern food

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is smothered chicken?

Smothered chicken is a classic Southern dish where seasoned, pan-fried chicken is covered—or "smothered"—in a rich, savory gravy, often made with onions, garlic, and sometimes cream. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect served over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.Smothered chicken is a classic Southern dish where seasoned, pan-fried chicken is covered or "smothered" in a rich, savory gravy, often made with onions, garlic, and sometimes cream. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect served over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.

What is the best smothered chicken recipe?

The best smothered chicken recipe features tender chicken, a well-balanced seasoning mix, golden brown searing, and a creamy onion gravy that’s full of depth. Our version includes both stovetop and smothered chicken recipe in oven options, giving you flexibility based on your cooking style and schedule.

How do I make a smothered chicken recipe in the oven?

To make a smothered chicken recipe in oven, follow the stovetop steps to brown the chicken and prepare the gravy. Then transfer everything to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes until the chicken is fall-apart tender. This method intensifies flavor and makes the dish even more comforting.

What goes well with smothered chicken?

Smothered chicken pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, white rice, buttered noodles, or even cornbread. For vegetables, consider green beans, collard greens, or roasted carrots. These sides soak up the flavorful gravy and balance the rich main dish.

How long should you soak chicken in milk before frying?

Soaking chicken in milk (or buttermilk) for at least 30 minutes to 4 hours helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. While it’s not required for this smothered chicken recipe, it’s a great technique if you want even juicier results before dredging and frying.

What’s the difference between stewed and smothered chicken?

Stewed chicken is usually slow-cooked fully in liquid, often with vegetables and tomatoes. Smothered chicken, on the other hand, starts with pan-seared meat that's later simmered in gravy. The key difference is that smothering involves browning first and typically uses a thicker, gravy-like sauce rather than a brothy stew.

Rella Wilson

Mother, Foodie, Chef

Hi there! I’m Cookrella, also known as Rella Wilson – a proud Mother, Foodie, and Chef. By day, I’m a full-time food blogger, but at heart, I’m a loving wife and dedicated mom. I blend my love for travel, recipe creation, and precious family moments into a flavorful life.

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Smothered Chicken Recipe

A Comforting Classic: Smothered Chicken Recipe That’s Full of Flavor

Why This Smothered Chicken Recipe Is a Must-Try