Smothered Chicken

Smothered Chicken is a comforting Southern-inspired dish featuring seasoned chicken breasts simmered in a rich onion gravy until perfectly cooked. This easy one-pan meal is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Contents show

1 Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Smothered Chicken

2 Ingredient Notes

3 Saving Every Bite

4 Cozy Chicken Dinners

4.1 Season the Chicken

4.2 Cook the Chicken

4.3 Make the Gravy

4.4 Related Posts

Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Smothered Chicken

Flavor: Savory and comforting with juicy seasoned chicken, sweet onions, and a rich herb-and-garlic gravy.

Why Make It: Browning the chicken first builds a flavorful base, giving the gravy rich, slow-cooked flavor in less time.

Serving Suggestions: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, or buttered noodles to soak up the onion gravy.

Total Time: 26 Minutes Serves: 4 Cooking Method: Stovetop

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken Breasts: Pounding the chicken to an even ½-inch thickness helps it cook evenly, develop a golden-brown crust, and stay tender and juicy as it finishes simmering in the gravy. Use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juicy chicken.
• Yellow Onion: Yellow onions are a great all-purpose choice because they soften well and add mild sweetness. Sweet onions can be used for a softer flavor, while white onions will taste a little sharper.
• Garlic Powder, Sage, and Thyme: This simple blend adds warm, savory poultry flavor without a long cooking time. If preferred, poultry seasoning can be substituted for the sage and thyme.
• Chicken Broth: Regular or low-sodium chicken broth both work well. Adjust the salt to taste based on the broth you use.
• Variations: Add sliced mushrooms with the onions for a mushroom-onion gravy. Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for creamy smothered chicken.

Saving Every Bite

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened.

Did you enjoy this Smothered Chicken Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 21 minutes minutes

Total Time 26 minutes minutes

Season the Chicken

• Place the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness.

• Season with garlic powder, salt, sage, thyme and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

Cook the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add chicken and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned, it does not need to be cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Make the Gravy

• Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and onion to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the flour and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Cook for 1 minute while stirring.

• Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Add the chicken with any juices, bring to a simmer and let cook 5 to 7 minutes, until thickened and the chicken is cooked through. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

• Serve over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. The chicken is cooked when it reaches 165℉ at the thickest part.
If you’d like a richer gravy, stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream before simmering.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving: 1chicken breast | Calories: 415 | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 537mg | Potassium: 577mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 715IU | Vitamin C: 19.1mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 1.7mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

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