Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South with this mouthwatering Southern Smothered Chicken and Gravy! 🍗 Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken thighs swimming in a rich, velvety gravy that's so delicious, it'll make your family fight for seconds. This classic Southern comfort dish is more than just a meal - it's a culinary journey that promises to warm your soul and satisfy your deepest hunger cravings. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is your ticket to creating a restaurant-worthy meal that'll have everyone asking for your secret!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, 1 cup of flour, 1 chopped onion, 2 cups of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, add the flour. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour and set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the floured chicken thighs to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Once the onions are cooked, gradually pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth while stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- After simmering, taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the smothered chicken hot over rice or mashed potatoes, spooning the rich gravy over the top. Enjoy your delicious Southern Smothered Chicken and Gravy!
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and better browning.
- Don't rush the browning process - let the chicken develop a beautiful golden color for maximum flavor.
- Scrape up those delicious brown bits (fond) when sautéing onions - they add incredible depth to the gravy.
- Low and slow is the key when simmering the chicken - this helps tenderize the meat and blend the flavors.
- For extra richness, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with heavy cream or add a splash of white wine.
- Let the chicken rest in the gravy for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully meld together.
- Serve over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious gravy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 130mg
