If you’re craving a comforting dish that warms the soul, look no further than this smothered chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces are cooked to perfection and enveloped in a savory gravy that’s sure to please everyone at the table. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a fresh salad. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the cooking process that make this dish a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 chicken thigh with gravy) contains approximately 350 calories, 22g fat, 28g protein, and 5g carbs. This nutritional value is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Brown the chicken thighs on both sides (about 5 minutes each).
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add sliced onions to the skillet and sauté until soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to combine.
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
- Return chicken to the skillet and cover.
- Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Additionally, bone-in chicken can be used for more flavor, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving and Pairings
Smothered chicken is best served with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. A side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad complements the richness of the dish beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover smothered chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t rush the browning process; it adds flavor.
- Make sure to season the chicken well before cooking.
- Don’t skip the simmering step; it’s crucial for tender chicken.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Stir the gravy continuously to prevent lumps.
Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature (165°F).
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor in the gravy.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require less cooking time, so keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
What can I serve with smothered chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and gravy in advance and store them separately. Reheat before serving.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, smothered chicken can be frozen. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container and thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
How do I thicken the gravy?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the gravy while simmering.
Conclusion
This smothered chicken recipe is a delectable and comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. With its rich flavors and tender chicken, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!
Smothered Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs skinless and boneless
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Brown the chicken thighs on both sides (about 5 minutes each).
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add sliced onions to the skillet and sauté until soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to combine.
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps.
- Return chicken to the skillet and cover.
- Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
