Southern Smothered Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Southern Smothered Chicken
Southern Smothered Chicken is a dish that embodies warmth and comfort, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. This recipe, steeped in tradition, brings together tender chicken, rich gravy, and a medley of spices that create a delightful meal. If you’re looking for a hearty dish that will satisfy your cravings and impress your loved ones, you’ve come to the right place!
A Personal Story Behind My Southern Smothered Chicken Journey
Growing up in the South, meals were always a big deal in our household. My grandmother would prepare Southern Smothered Chicken for Sunday dinners, filling the house with an irresistible aroma. The joy of gathering around the table, sharing stories, and savoring every bite made those moments unforgettable. Now, I carry on this tradition, and I’m excited to share my version of this timeless recipe with you.
What Makes This Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe Special?
What sets this Southern Smothered Chicken apart is the combination of perfectly seasoned chicken and a luscious gravy that is both savory and comforting. The method of frying the chicken before smothering it ensures that each piece is crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Plus, the addition of spices like paprika and poultry seasoning elevates the flavor profile, making it a dish that you and your family will crave again and again.
The Full Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs and/or drumsticks (about 5 pieces)
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon or 1 cube
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and paprika. Reserve 3 tablespoons of this seasoned flour for later use.
- Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. This will create a beautiful crust!
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large deep pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. If your pan is crowded, cook the chicken in batches for even cooking.
- Fry the chicken until browned on all sides; it doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking in the gravy.
- Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan, leaving the oil behind for the gravy.
- Add the diced onion to the pan and cook until golden, about 5 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of your gravy.
- Whisk in the reserved 3 tablespoons of seasoned flour with the oil. Then stir in the chicken bouillon, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken broth. Cook for 2-3 minutes, ensuring there are no lumps in the mixture.
- Whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid sticking.
- Return the chicken to the pan, ensuring it’s well-coated with the gravy. Cover and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the delightful flavors of Southern Smothered Chicken!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Southern Smothered Chicken
Southern Smothered Chicken pairs beautifully with sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, collard greens, or cornbread. For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the gravy for enhanced flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Smothered Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be mindful that they may dry out more easily. Ensure you don’t overcook them.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze Southern Smothered Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with Southern Smothered Chicken?
Consider serving it with rice, biscuits, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Calories per Serving: 450
- Servings: 5
Southern Smothered Chicken
Equipment
- Large deep pan For frying and making gravy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs and/or drumsticks
- 1.33 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.67 cups vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon or 1 cube
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- serving parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and paprika. Reserve 3 tablespoons of this seasoned flour for later use.
- Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. This will create a beautiful crust!
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large deep pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. If your pan is crowded, cook the chicken in batches for even cooking.
- Fry the chicken until browned on all sides; it doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking in the gravy.
- Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan, leaving the oil behind for the gravy.
- Add the diced onion to the pan and cook until golden, about 5 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of your gravy.
- Whisk in the reserved 3 tablespoons of seasoned flour with the oil. Then stir in the chicken bouillon, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chicken broth. Cook for 2-3 minutes, ensuring there are no lumps in the mixture.
- Whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid sticking.
- Return the chicken to the pan, ensuring it's well-coated with the gravy. Cover and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the delightful flavors of Southern Smothered Chicken!