Smothered Chicken and Gravy is a classic comfort food dish that’s packed with flavor, combining juicy, seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy gravy. 

This Southern-inspired recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home and pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or warm biscuits to soak up every last bit of the sauce. Best of all, it’s straightforward to make, using simple ingredients like onions, garlic, butter, and broth to create a savory gravy that smothers tender, perfectly cooked chicken. 

Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an indulgent meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy with its comforting flavors and easy preparation.Be with me and learn a easy way to cook your meal.

Smothered Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients of Smothered Chicken And Gravy:

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or use boneless, skinless if preferred)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

For the Gravy:

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions for Smothered Chicken And Gravy recipe:

1. Season the Chicken:

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.

2. Sear the Chicken:

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy, then flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes.
3. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. (It will finish cooking in the gravy later.)

3. Prepare the Gravy:

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and golden.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the butter and allow it to melt, then sprinkle the flour over the onions and peppers. Stir to combine and cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, forming a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes or until it thickens.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Smother the Chicken:

1. Add the chicken back into the skillet with the gravy, skin side up.
2. Spoon some of the gravy over the top of each piece, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
3. Let it cook for another 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

5. Serve:

1. Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve the smothered chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits to soak up the rich gravy.

Tips for making Smothered Chicken and Gravy Recipe

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the gravy for depth.
• For a thicker gravy, let it simmer longer after adding the cream or add an additional 1 tbsp of flour to the roux.
• For a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

Enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to bring everyone to the table!

READ MORE: Arroz Con Pollo(ACP):Easy Home Recipe

Smothered Chicken and Gravy Recipe in detail 

This Smothered Chicken and Gravy is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal. Begin by seasoning four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if you prefer) with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.

 In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat and place the chicken, skin side down, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes before removing it from the skillet to set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add one thinly sliced onion and half a sliced bell pepper (optional) for added flavor and texture. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and lightly golden, then add two minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute. Melt three tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet, sprinkle in three tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and stir well to form a roux. 

Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, then gradually whisk in two cups of chicken broth, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes. Stir in half a cup of heavy cream or whole milk, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the rich gravy over each piece. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. 

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve this savory smothered chicken with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits to soak up the flavorful gravy. This hearty recipe is an ideal choice for a cozy, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the gravy from getting lumpy?

To prevent lumps, make sure to cook the flour and butter mixture (roux) for a few minutes before adding the chicken broth. When you add the broth, pour it in slowly, whisking continuously. This ensures a smooth, creamy gravy without any lumps.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well in this dish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as boneless cuts may cook faster than bone-in pieces. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

How can I make the gravy thicker?

If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply simmer it a bit longer after adding the broth and cream, allowing it to reduce naturally. Alternatively, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour to the roux when cooking the butter and flour mixture.

What side dishes go best with smothered chicken and gravy?

Mashed potatoes, rice, and biscuits are classic sides that pair perfectly with this dish. These options help soak up the rich gravy and complete the meal. Roasted vegetables or green beans are also great choices for added flavor and color.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Smothered chicken and gravy can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to keep the gravy creamy.

Conclusion

Smothered Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that combines perfectly seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy, and savory gravy. This dish brings together simple ingredients that deliver big flavors, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or any time you crave a comforting meal. 

The gravy, infused with onions, garlic, and spices, creates a delicious sauce that smothers the tender chicken, keeping it juicy and flavorful. Paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh biscuits, this recipe offers a satisfying dining experience that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Smothered Chicken and Gravy is sure to become a household favorite, bringing warmth and flavor to every bite.