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Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe
Welcome to this delicious Southern Smothered Chicken recipe blog post! If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal with a touch of Southern charm, you’re in the right place. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with tender chicken smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy that will leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Southern Smothered Chicken:
– It’s a perfect blend of savory flavors and tender chicken.
– The gravy is rich, creamy, and packed with Southern spices.
– This dish is a comfort food classic that will warm your soul.
– It’s easy to make and requires simple ingredients you probably already have.
Are you ready to bring a taste of the South to your dinner table? Let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s start cooking this Southern delicacy step by step:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and garlic. Cook until softened.
5. Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine.
6. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
7. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Southern Smothered Chicken!
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery biscuits, or steamed rice. You can also serve it with a side of greens like collard greens or green beans for a complete Southern meal experience.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions:
If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. You can also add a touch of heat by incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the gravy for a spicy twist.
Pro Tips for Success:
– For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for a few hours before cooking.
– Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet when making the gravy for added depth of flavor.
– Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and tenderness.
Q: How can I make the gravy thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering gravy until desired consistency is reached.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and gravy ahead of time and reheat it before serving for a convenient meal option.
Q: Is Southern Smothered Chicken spicy?
A: This dish is not typically spicy, but you can adjust the seasonings to add a bit of heat if desired.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
A: While chicken is traditional for Southern Smothered Chicken, you can experiment with pork chops or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
Southern Smothered Chicken is a beloved Southern classic that brings together simple ingredients to create a comforting and flavorful meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the South with this delicious recipe!
Southern Smothered Chicken
Enjoy a taste of the South with this comforting Southern Smothered Chicken recipe. Tender chicken thighs seasoned and cooked in a rich, creamy gravy packed with Southern spices. Serve with fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery biscuits for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
