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Southern Smothered Chicken

Tender golden-browned chicken simmered in rich homemade onion gravy for the ultimate Southern comfort food dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 6 bone-in chicken thighs skin-on
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
Gravy
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken dry and season with all spices.
  2. Lightly dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess.
  3. Sear chicken in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.
  4. Remove chicken and cook onions in butter until softened.
  5. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Sprinkle reserved flour into skillet to create a roux.
  7. Whisk in broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce until thickened.
  8. Return chicken to skillet and cover with gravy.
  9. Simmer covered for 30–35 minutes until tender.
  10. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For richer flavor, use chicken thighs with bone-in and allow onions to fully caramelize before making the gravy.