Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken: A Comforting Classic for Beginners

Southern cuisine is known for its rich, hearty flavors, and one dish that perfectly encapsulates this is Southern Smothered Chicken. It’s a recipe that brings a sense of warmth and comfort to the table, especially during family gatherings, holiday dinners, or any occasion when you want a satisfying, flavorful meal. This dish features succulent chicken, seasoned with a blend of spices, and smothered in a creamy, savory gravy that’s rich in flavor and history.

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If you’ve never made smothered chicken before, don’t worry! This recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly. It doesn’t require any advanced cooking techniques, and it’s easy to put together with just a few simple ingredients. What’s even better is that you can make this dish in under an hour, and it’s naturally gluten-free with just a few adjustments. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this Southern Smothered Chicken will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Let’s dive in and take a closer look at how to make this Southern classic, from marinating the chicken to making that rich, flavorful gravy. By the end of this article, you’ll not only have a delicious meal to share, but you’ll also feel confident in your cooking skills.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before you start cooking, it’s important to gather all your ingredients and prepare them. This ensures that everything is ready to go once you begin cooking, making the process smoother and less stressful. Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this Southern Smothered Chicken recipe.

Ingredients for Smothered Chicken:

• 3-4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed (Drumsticks and thighs work great!)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoning salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup organic all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 cups organic chicken stock or bone broth
• 1 cup organic heavy cream

Optional for Gluten-Free Version:

• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Ingredient Substitutes for Flexibility:

This recipe is quite flexible, and you can swap some ingredients depending on what you have on hand or if you prefer certain flavors.

• Chicken: While the recipe calls for organic chicken parts like drumsticks and thighs, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken breasts if that’s what you prefer. Bone-in pieces help to retain moisture during cooking, but boneless cuts will work just fine as well.
• Stock/Broth: If you don’t have homemade chicken stock or bone broth, you can use store-bought versions. While fresh stock is always best, the canned variety works just as well and still provides plenty of flavor.
• Flour: If you’re looking to make the dish gluten-free, using a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch will do the trick. Cornstarch is a great option for thickening the gravy without altering the flavor.
• Cream: If you want to make the dish a bit lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream could work as well, though the flavor may be slightly different.

Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, it’s time to start preparing for the cooking process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking Southern Smothered Chicken is simple and straightforward. The key to this dish is the process of browning the chicken and then letting it simmer in a savory, creamy gravy. By following these steps, you’ll have a perfectly cooked dish with all the right flavors.

1. Marinate the Chicken:

To ensure your chicken is flavorful, it’s essential to marinate it ahead of time. Begin by cleaning and rinsing your chicken pieces. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle with the seasonings—1 teaspoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the seasonings into the chicken until each piece is thoroughly coated.

For the best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator, although marinating it overnight will provide even more flavor. When ready to cook, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to take the chill off before cooking.

Tip for Beginners: Marinating the chicken isn’t just about adding flavor—it also helps tenderize the meat, making it juicy and delicious. Be sure to refrigerate the chicken while marinating, and allow it to reach room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. Brown/Sear the Chicken:

Once your chicken is marinated, it’s time to brown it. Heat a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up before placing the marinated chicken in the skillet.

Sear each piece of chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it has developed a golden-brown color. This step is important because the browned chicken will impart additional flavor into the gravy.

Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You don’t need to worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this point—just focus on getting that perfect sear.

Tip for Beginners: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If necessary, brown the chicken in batches to ensure that it sears evenly on all sides.

3. Make the Gravy:

Now, let’s create that delicious gravy that will smother the chicken! In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onions and sauté them for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally, and let the onions cook until they turn golden brown and caramelized.

The caramelization process will develop the onions’ natural sweetness, which is key to a flavorful gravy. Once the onions are done, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.

Next, stir in the flour and allow it to dissolve fully with the onions and garlic. This mixture will act as a thickening agent for your gravy, so make sure it is smooth and well-incorporated.

Now, pour in the chicken stock or bone broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the gravy cook for about 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken. Once it’s thickened, stir in the heavy cream, and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the gravy is smooth and creamy.

Tip for Beginners: If you find that the gravy is too thick, add a little more stock or water to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it with a bit more flour mixed with water.

4. Add the Chicken to the Gravy:

Now that you’ve made a beautiful, creamy gravy, it’s time to add the browned chicken back into the skillet. Gently place the chicken into the gravy, making sure that each piece is well-coated.

Add the fresh thyme sprigs and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the gravy has thickened further.

Tip for Beginners: To check that the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure there’s no pink left.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the chicken is fully cooked and smothered in that rich gravy, it’s time to serve! Pair this Southern Smothered Chicken with your favorite sides for a complete meal. We’ll talk more about serving suggestions next, but first, let’s ensure you have the best possible meal.

Tip for Beginners: Don’t rush the cooking process. Let the chicken simmer slowly in the gravy to develop the flavors. The longer it cooks, the richer the gravy will become.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• What if the chicken browns too quickly? If your chicken starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning. It’s important to get a nice sear without overcooking the exterior.
• How to avoid overcooking vegetables: If you decide to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, wait until the gravy has thickened and the chicken is almost done before adding them in. This prevents them from becoming too soft and mushy.
• How to prep efficiently: To save time, chop your onions and garlic while the chicken is marinating. This way, you’re ready to go when it’s time to cook.

Serving Suggestions

Southern Smothered Chicken is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with several classic Southern sides. Here are a few suggestions:

• Basmati or Brown Rice: The creamy gravy is perfect for pouring over rice, making it a hearty and satisfying side.
• Mashed Potatoes: Soft, buttery mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with the rich gravy.
• Collard Greens or Sautéed Spinach: The slight bitterness of greens complements the creamy, savory chicken beautifully.
• Cornbread: A slice of cornbread adds a deliciously crunchy texture to balance out the rich gravy.

Storage Tips:

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and gravy in a skillet over low heat. You can add a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the gravy if it thickens too much in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken is the perfect recipe for beginners who want to create a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. It’s a comforting dish that brings together succulent chicken and rich, creamy gravy—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, entertaining friends, or simply craving a delicious homemade meal, this recipe is sure to impress. By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll be able to make a Southern classic that tastes like it’s been passed down for generations.

We hope you enjoy this dish and feel confident in your cooking skills. Don’t forget to share your results with us—let us know how your Southern Smothered Chicken turned out! Happy cooking!