Get ready to indulge in a classic Southern comfort food that will make your taste buds dance! Southern Smothered Chicken with Gravy is not just a meal; it's a heartwarming experience that brings family and friends together around the dinner table. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs enveloped in a rich, creamy gravy, served over fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, and it comes together in just about an hour! Dive into this culinary delight and discover the secrets to achieving that irresistible Southern flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispy coating when frying.
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Coat each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess flour. This will give the chicken a nice, crispy exterior when cooked.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test this by dropping a small bit of flour into the oil; it should sizzle), carefully add the coated chicken thighs to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion to the remaining oil. Sauté the onions over medium heat until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the onions are cooked, sprinkle a bit more flour (about 2 tablespoons) over the onions and stir to combine. This will help thicken the gravy.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 5 minutes.
- After the gravy has thickened, stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon some of the gravy over the chicken.
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer in the gravy for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the smothered chicken hot, generously ladled with gravy, alongside your favorite Southern sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or collard greens.
Tips
- Patience is Key: Ensure your chicken thighs are patted dry before coating them in flour. This step is essential for achieving that crispy, golden-brown exterior during frying.
- Season Generously: Don't shy away from seasoning your flour! The blend of salt and pepper not only enhances the chicken's flavor but also contributes to the overall taste of the gravy.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: To avoid soggy chicken, make sure your vegetable oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. A simple test is to sprinkle a bit of flour into the oil—if it sizzles, you're good to go!
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Sautéing the onions until they are translucent and slightly caramelized adds depth and sweetness to the gravy, making it even more delicious.
- Gradual Mixing for a Smooth Gravy: When adding chicken broth to the flour and onion mixture, do it gradually while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the chicken to simmer in the gravy for 15-20 minutes will meld the flavors beautifully, resulting in a richer and more flavorful dish.
- Pair It Right: Serve your Southern Smothered Chicken with traditional sides like collard greens, cornbread, or a fresh green salad to create a complete meal that everyone will love.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 572kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 118mg
