Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Craving some comfort food that’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying? This Southern smothered chicken is a classic that’ll warm you right up.

The chicken is golden and crispy on the outside, with a creamy, savory gravy smothering every bite. I make this when I want something hearty and comforting.

It’s simple, but full of soul. Just a few ingredients and you’ve got a dish that’s hard to resist.

I’ll show you how I make it, step by step. Let’s dive into this Southern classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish brings all the warmth and nostalgia of Southern cooking to your table.
• Rich, Flavorful Gravy: The chicken is smothered in a velvety, seasoned gravy that’s rich in flavor and texture.
• Tender and Juicy: The chicken thighs stay tender and juicy, even after simmering in the gravy.
• Easy One-Pot Meal: It’s simple to make and clean-up is a breeze since everything is cooked in one pan.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:
This recipe makes enough to serve 4 people, but you can easily double it if you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers.

Difficulty:
Easy to follow, and perfect for beginners or experienced cooks alike.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or Dutch oven (for even cooking and a rich gravy)
• Tongs (for flipping the chicken)
• Spoon or spatula (for stirring the gravy)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients for Southern Smothered Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:

For the Chicken:

• Bone-In Chicken Thighs (4-6 pieces): Bone-in thighs are ideal for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking.
• Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning the chicken and bringing out its natural flavors.
• Flour (for dredging): This helps to give the chicken a crispy, golden crust.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken to crispy perfection.

For the Gravy:

• Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds a savory base flavor to the gravy.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Chicken Broth (2 cups): This forms the liquid base of the gravy.
• Whole Milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess to the gravy for a rich texture.
• Flour (1/4 cup): Used to thicken the gravy.
• Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, celery seed, and poultry seasoning for a savory kick.

Variations for Southern Smothered Chicken

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms with the onions for an extra layer of flavor in the gravy.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.
• Use Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts over thighs, they work just as well, though they may cook a bit faster.
• Make It Lighter: Use low-fat milk or a non-dairy substitute to reduce the richness without compromising the flavor too much.

How to Make Southern Smothered Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dredge the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Then, dredge them in flour, making sure each piece is coated evenly. This will help the chicken crisp up and give the gravy a little extra thickness.

2. Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and fry them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Next, sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk while stirring to create a smooth gravy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, celery seed, and poultry seasoning. Allow the gravy to simmer for 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.

How to Continue Making Southern Smothered Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions (Continued)

4. Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Once your gravy has thickened, return the crispy chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon some of the gravy over the chicken to ensure it’s well-coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the chicken simmer in the gravy for 20-25 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the chicken will absorb the savory goodness of the gravy while staying tender and juicy.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove the skillet from the heat. If you’d like, you can garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a touch of color. Serve the smothered chicken over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Serve Southern Smothered Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to create a comforting meal:

• With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, flavorful gravy soaks beautifully into mashed potatoes, making for a perfect side.
• Over Rice: Serve the smothered chicken over a steaming bowl of rice to soak up all that delicious gravy.
• With Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits are perfect for sopping up the gravy, adding a comforting touch to the meal.
• With Collard Greens: A classic Southern pairing, collard greens bring a nice, earthy balance to the rich chicken and gravy.

Storing Southern Smothered Chicken

• Cooked Chicken: Leftover smothered chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Gravy: If you have leftover gravy, store it in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and add a little extra chicken broth or milk to loosen it up if needed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Rush the Browning: Allow the chicken to brown properly before removing it from the skillet. This adds extra flavor and ensures the skin gets crispy.
• Make a Big Batch: If you’re cooking for a family or guests, this recipe is easy to double. Just be sure to use a larger skillet or Dutch oven.
• Adjust the Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thinner gravy, add a little more broth or milk. If you like it thicker, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
• Add a Touch of Cream: For a richer gravy, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	23g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	550mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	2g

Please note that nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Southern Smothered Chicken FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts will work, but they may cook a bit faster than thighs. Just be sure to check the internal temperature (165°F).

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and gravy in advance, then reheat before serving. It’s even better the next day!

What sides go best with Southern Smothered Chicken?
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, rice, cornbread, or collard greens are perfect for this dish.

Conclusion

Southern Smothered Chicken is the perfect comfort food to bring warmth and joy to any table. With juicy chicken thighs smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and guaranteed to satisfy every time. Enjoy this classic Southern meal with your favorite sides for the ultimate comfort food experience.