Name: Smothered Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large onion, sliced; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Hey y’all! If you’re craving tender, juicy chicken bathed in a creamy, savory gravy, you’re in the right place. Smothered Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for Sunday suppers, cozy weeknights, or when you want to treat your loved ones to something special. This southern-style classic packs a punch of flavor while staying simple enough for any home cook. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Smothered Chicken Recipe

Rich, homemade gravy infuses every bite with down-home flavor.
Uses simple pantry staples—no fancy ingredients required!
Perfectly juicy chicken with crisped edges and fork-tender insides.
Ready in under an hour—quick enough for busy weeknights.
Flexible enough for meal prep or a show-stopping Sunday dinner.

Smothered Chicken Ingredients

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (plus 2 tbsp, divided)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions: How to Make Smothered Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat chicken thighs dry using paper towels. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken. Lightly dust with 2 tablespoons flour.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down. Sear for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. (It won’t be fully cooked yet!)

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add sliced onions and sauté for 5 minutes until golden and softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over the onions. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the flour is absorbed and turns slightly golden. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Then, add the milk, dried thyme, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until thickened.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken

Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy onion gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165ºF/74ºC). Uncover and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the gravy as desired.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the Smothered Chicken hot, spooning plenty of that luscious gravy over the top.

Smothered Chicken Notes & Cooking Tips

For a smoother gravy, use a whisk when adding the liquids. Check out this guide to making perfect gravy from The Kitchn.
Chicken breasts can be substituted, but reduce simmering time to avoid overcooking.
Adjust seasoning at the end; add more salt or pepper if desired. For more on seasoning techniques, visit Bon Appétit.

Smothered Chicken Variations

Mushroom Smothered Chicken: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms when sautéing onions for earthy richness.
Creamy Garlic Smothered Chicken: Double the garlic and stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Spicy Cajun Smothered Chicken: Use Cajun seasoning in place of paprika, and add a chopped bell pepper to the gravy.

Required Equipment for Smothered Chicken

Large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
Tongs or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife and cutting board
Whisk

Storage Instructions: How Long Does Smothered Chicken Last?

Let your Smothered Chicken cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the gravy thickens too much. For freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Read more tips on food safety from EatRight.org.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Smothered Chicken

Classic: Over fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed white rice.
Vegetable Sides: Serve with sautéed green beans or creamed spinach.
Bread: Mop up extra gravy with warm biscuits or crusty baguette.

Smothered Chicken Pro Tips

Pat the chicken dry for crispier browning before searing.
Don’t rush the onion sauté—slow cooking brings out their sweetness and boosts gravy flavor. (Learn more about caramelizing onions at Serious Eats.)
If the gravy thickens too much while simmering, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up just before serving.

Smothered Chicken Recipe FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?: Yes, boneless skinless breasts work well; just reduce the simmering time to 15-18 minutes to prevent dryness.
How do I make this dairy-free?: Replace milk with unsweetened non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
Can I make Smothered Chicken ahead of time?: Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

This Smothered Chicken recipe brings big Southern comfort in every forkful—perfect for sharing, savoring, and making any meal feel special!