Description
Savory Southern Smothered Chicken with crispy fried chicken pieces simmered in a creamy, flavorful onion gravy. This hearty comfort food is perfectly spiced and ideal for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken thighs and/or drumsticks above five pieces
- 1 ⅓ cups flour
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Gravy
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon or one cube
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- Parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare seasoned flour: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and paprika. Remove 3 tablespoons of this mixture and set aside for the gravy.
- Coat chicken: Thoroughly dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Fry chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces without overcrowding; fry in batches if needed. Cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and leave the oil in the pan.
- Sauté onions: Add diced onions to the pan and cook until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Make roux for gravy: Whisk the reserved 3 tablespoons of seasoned flour into the hot oil and onions, stirring to combine.
- Add flavorings and broth: Stir in chicken bouillon, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken broth. Cook for 2-3 minutes while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add milk and thicken: Whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring mixture to a boil and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Simmer chicken in gravy: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, coating them well with the gravy. Cover and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired and serve hot as a comforting main dish.
Notes
- Use a deep pan to prevent splattering when frying chicken.
- For extra crispy chicken, double dredge before frying.
- Adjust seasoning in the gravy to taste before adding the chicken back.
- Milk can be substituted with cream for a richer gravy.
- Serve smothered chicken with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
