Smothered Chicken

Smothered chicken is a Southern-style dish that typically consists of chicken that has been seared and then slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and sometimes mushrooms. The chicken is simmered in the gravy until it is tender and falls off the bone, resulting in a dish that is both savory and comforting.

To prepare smothered chicken, the chicken is usually seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices before being seared in a hot skillet until it is browned on all sides. The chicken is then removed from the skillet, and the onions and garlic are sautéed until they are soft and translucent. Mushrooms may also be added to the gravy for additional flavor.

Once the onions and garlic are cooked, the chicken is returned to the skillet and covered with the gravy. The skillet is then covered and the chicken is simmered over low heat until it is fully cooked and tender. Smothered chicken is often served over rice or with mashed potatoes and is a popular comfort food in the Southern United States.

SERVINGS: 4

PREPARATION TIME: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
• ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and thyme.
3. Rub the chicken with the spice mixture and season with salt.
4. Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a baking dish.
7. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
8. In a separate small saucepan, whisk together the cream and cornstarch.
9. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
10. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
11. Pour the cream sauce over the chicken and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
12. Serve the smothered chicken warm.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

This smothered chicken is best served with a side of mashed potatoes and a green vegetable.

ADDITIONAL TIPS: For a spicier version, add some cayenne pepper to the spice mixture