Description
Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible Smothered Chicken, where tender poultry simmers in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with deep flavor. Hearty and comforting, the dish invites you to savor a classic Southern tradition that warms both heart and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless)
Seasonings and Flour:
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) smoked paprika
- ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) red pepper flakes
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior during cooking.
- Create a seasoning blend by generously sprinkling salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika across both sides of the chicken, massaging the spices into the meat.
- Prepare a shallow dish with flour and delicately coat each chicken piece, gently tapping off any surplus flour to prevent a heavy, clumpy coating.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing the pan to become evenly heated before adding cooking oil.
- Carefully place seasoned and floured chicken pieces into the hot skillet, arranging them without overcrowding to promote even browning.
- Cook chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, developing a golden-brown crust and ensuring the meat is nearly cooked through.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and introduce chicken broth or stock, creating a shallow liquid base around the chicken pieces.
- Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allow chicken to simmer gently, completing the cooking process and infusing additional moisture.
- Check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer, confirming it has reached a safe 165°F before removing from heat.
- Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal juices, ensuring a tender and succulent final result.
Notes
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during cooking.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning when searing chicken.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or cornstarch for dredging.
- Brown chicken thoroughly to develop a rich, golden crust that locks in moisture and creates deeper taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg