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Southern Smothered Chicken

A comforting dish featuring crispy chicken thighs smothered in a creamy, savory gravy perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces chicken thighs Bone-in or boneless
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth Low-sodium is preferred
  • 1 cup heavy cream
For the Gravy
  • 2 tablespoons flour For thickening
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For frying the chicken
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon thyme Dried or fresh

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Gravy
  1. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, and stir to combine. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, thickening up nicely.
Final Steps
  1. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, making sure they’re well-coated with the creamy mixture.
  2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  3. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve your Southern Smothered Chicken warm over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave.