Smothered Chicken
+5 photos

Smothered Chicken

4 servings
Smothered chicken is another way of saying you're serving creamy chicken and gravy. Bacon and smoked paprika add a rounded flavor to the gravy so it's more flavorful and robust.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
    ½ c
  • kosher salt

    divided

    2 ¾ tsp.
  • garlic powder
    2 tsp.
  • smoked paprika
    1 ½ tsp.
  • onion powder
    1 ½ tsp.
  • freshly ground black pepper
    1 tsp.
  • cayenne pepper
    ¼ tsp.
  • finely chopped sweet onion

    from 1 small onion

    ½ c
  • minced garlic

    from 4 cloves

    1 ½ tbsp.
  • boneless skinless chicken thighs

    pounded to about 1/4-inch thick

    1 ½ lb.
  • canola oil
    3 tbsp.
  • slices uncooked bacon

    chopped

    3
  • chicken broth
    1 ½ c
  • whole milk
    ½ c
  • scallions

    thinly sliced, for garnish

    2

Directions

  1. 1

    Dredge chicken: Stir together flour, 2 teaspoons salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, pepper and cayenne in a medium shallow bowl or pie dish. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, allowing flour to coat all sides. Shake excess off chicken pieces, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Reserve 1/4 cup flour mixture; set aside.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Cook chicken: Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add half of the chicken pieces and cook until golden on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a plate while you cook remaining chicken pieces.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Cook bacon: Add bacon to pan drippings and cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until bacon is browned and crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon from skillet and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Make gravy: Cook onions in bacon drippings until starting to soften, about 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add reserved flour mixture to skillet and stir constantly until raw flour smell has dissipated, about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, then cook, whisking constantly, over medium-high until mixture is thick, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Finish cooking chicken: Add chicken and any accumulated juices back to skillet, nestling chicken pieces into gravy, and cook 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and gravy is thick. Garnish chicken with cooked bacon and scallions to serve.

    Step 5
Smothered Chicken
+5

Smothered Chicken

4.5(13)45 min4 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 13 ratings

southernliving.com
4.5(13 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, deeply flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug? This Smothered Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken bathed in a rich, creamy gravy that’s ready to become a new family favorite.

Why This Smothered Chicken Works

What truly sets this smothered chicken apart is the robust, rounded flavor of its gravy. By incorporating chopped bacon and a generous amount of smoked paprika, you're building layers of savory depth. This isn't just any creamy chicken; it's a dish where every bite offers that delicious complexity, making it far more impactful than simpler versions.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly satisfying entree featuring incredibly tender boneless skinless chicken thighs enveloped in a velvety, savory gravy. The sweet onion and garlic provide a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth, while the smoked paprika infuses a beautiful warmth and a subtle smoky finish. You'll also appreciate the gentle kick from the cayenne pepper, perfectly balancing the richness of the whole milk and chicken broth. This is hearty, comforting food designed to stick to your ribs and leave you feeling completely nourished.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe shines with chicken thighs, you can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper to suit your preference. For an even more intense smoky flavor, consider adding a touch more smoked paprika. If you prefer a richer gravy, you could use heavy cream in place of some of the whole milk, though the recipe as written provides ample creaminess.

Serving & Context

This Smothered Chicken makes an excellent centerpiece for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting Sunday meal. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed green beans, allowing the rich gravy to be soaked up perfectly. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions for a pop of fresh color and mild oniony bite.

Frequently Asked Questions