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Smothered Chicken and Gravy

Smothered Chicken and Gravy
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Smothered Chicken and Gravy is a warm, comforting dish featuring tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy, and savory gravy. Made with simple pantry ingredients and flavored with aromatic onions, garlic, and spices, this classic comfort food is perfect for any occasion, whether a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. The slow simmering melds deep flavors, delivering a hearty meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in recommended for richer flavor)

Gravy Base

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or cream (or dairy-free substitute like coconut milk)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil

Aromatics and Seasonings

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. This step seals in moisture and builds a flavorful crust when cooking.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden and crispy, creating a deep flavor base for the dish.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Remove chicken from the pan. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, incorporating the flavorful browned bits left behind.
  4. Make the Gravy Base: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onions and garlic to create a roux. Cook gently until golden, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk or cream, stirring to form a smooth, creamy gravy without lumps.
  5. Simmer and Smother: Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat, allowing the chicken to cook through gently and absorb the luscious gravy, ensuring tenderness and juiciness.
  6. Final Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust seasonings with more salt or pepper if needed. Continue simmering until gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Serve hot for ultimate comfort.

Notes

  • Don’t skip browning the chicken; it locks in juices and adds deep, complex flavors.
  • Bone-in chicken enriches the gravy and keeps meat moist during cooking.
  • Add broth and cream gradually while whisking to avoid lumps in the gravy.
  • Simmer on low heat to let flavors meld and chicken become tender.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance gravy thickness and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered chicken, chicken gravy, comfort food, creamy gravy, southern recipe, easy chicken dinner, family meal, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/smothered-chicken-and-gravy/