There’s something so comforting about a plate of smothered chicken. It’s that warm hug of a meal that wraps you in its rich, savory gravy and makes you feel right at home. I remember the first time I tried it at my grandmother’s house; the aroma filled the kitchen and drew everyone in. The chicken was so tender, and the gravy was just bursting with flavor! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this dish is a go-to for cozy family dinners. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup chicken broth, low-sodium for better control over salt
- 1 onion, sliced thinly
- 2 cloves garlic, minced finely
- 1 teaspoon paprika, for a touch of warmth
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked is best
- 1 cup heavy cream, for that luscious finish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, to get that golden brown on the chicken
How to Prepare Smothered Chicken
Getting your smothered chicken just right is all about the little details. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort!
Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts! I usually sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika over both sides of the chicken. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—this is where you build that delicious base flavor!
Sauté the Chicken
Now, let’s get that skillet sizzling! Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts. You want to brown them nicely, so give them about 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that golden crust, which adds so much depth to the dish. Once they’re beautifully browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Prepare the Gravy
In the same skillet, toss in 1 sliced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer! Once it’s bubbling, return the chicken to the skillet, cover it, and cook everything together for about 20 minutes. This is where the chicken gets all tender and infused with flavor!
Finish with Cream
Finally, it’s time to make it creamy! Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. You want to see that sauce thicken up just a bit and coat the chicken beautifully. The smell will be heavenly, and the gravy will be just perfect for spooning over rice or mashed potatoes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a comforting classic that feels like a warm hug on your plate.
- Perfectly seasoned chicken smothered in rich, creamy gravy that just begs for a side of rice or potatoes.
- Quick to prepare, making it great for weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.
- One-pot meal means easy cleanup—less time in the kitchen, more time enjoying with family.
- Flexibility to adjust seasonings and add your favorite herbs for a personal touch.
- Leftovers keep well, making for delicious next-day meals!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients you use. For a serving of smothered chicken (1 chicken breast with gravy), you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
This dish packs a punch with its hearty ingredients, making it a satisfying choice for any meal!
Tips for Success
To ensure your smothered chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t rush the browning process; it’s key to developing flavor, so let the chicken get that nice golden crust. If you find the gravy too thick, just add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Also, feel free to experiment with herbs—adding a bit of thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor! And remember, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep it juicy. Trust me, these little tricks make all the difference!
Serving Suggestions
To truly elevate your smothered chicken experience, I highly recommend serving it with a generous scoop of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy just begs to be soaked up by those sides! You could also pair it with some steamed green beans or a crisp salad for a pop of color and freshness. Trust me, the combination will have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious smothered chicken is easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the gravy nice and smooth. You can also pop it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to avoid splatters! Heat it in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. Enjoy the comforting flavors all over again!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this honey garlic glazed chicken recipe or this creamy tomato basil soup for a perfect pairing!
Imprimer
Smothered Chicken: 5 Steps to Comforting Flavor
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious and hearty smothered chicken dish cooked in a rich gravy.
Ingrédients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown chicken on both sides, about 5 minutes each side.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet; sauté until soft.
- Stir in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add chicken back to the skillet.
- Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 chicken breast with gravy
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 30g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 5g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 40g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 150mg
Mots-clés: smothered chicken, chicken recipe, comfort food
