Here’s a comforting recipe for Smothered Chicken, featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful, creamy gravy. This dish is perfect for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Season and Coat the Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour, coating both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, just browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, sauté the sliced onions, mushrooms (if using), and minced garlic over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, until they are softened and lightly caramelized.
- Make the Gravy:
- Add the remaining seasoned flour (from dredging the chicken) to the skillet with the onions and mushrooms. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour and make a roux.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the heavy cream or milk. Continue stirring until the gravy thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Smother the Chicken:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the gravy for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked and the gravy has thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve the smothered chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or with vegetables.
Tips:
- Thicker Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the rich gravy.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful smothered chicken for a comforting family meal!
