Smothered Chicken

A delicious comfort food dinner, smothered in a rich, buttery onion and garlic gravy! This Easy Smothered Chicken is simple to make, and requires no hard work. Perfect for any time you need an easy peasy comfort meal!

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Need a warm and filling dinner to relax after a long day?

This Easy Smothered Chicken is your answer!

It cooks low and steady to ensure the chicken stays tender, needs no fancy steps or complex ingredients and creates a silky, savory sauce that tastes deeply satisfying.

Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, Sunday suppers, hungry kids… and really any time you need a meal that feels like a big hug!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish hits that cozy spot every single time.

Rich creamy sauce: The gravy turns smooth and full of flavor.

Tender chicken: Each bite stays juicy and soft.

Simple ingredients: Pantry spices do all the work.

One pan cooking: Less mess and easy cleanup.

Family friendly: Mild heat with big flavor.

Perfect leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.

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Ingredients

For the Smothered Chicken:

• 6 large chicken thighs
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Season and Coat the Chicken

Chicken thighs get seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. Each piece then gets lightly coated in flour. This helps build a thick sauce later.

2. Brown the Chicken

Vegetable oil heats in a wide skillet over medium heat. Chicken goes in and cooks until golden on both sides. The chicken does not need to cook fully here. Set it aside once browned.

3. Build the Flavor Base

Butter melts in the same skillet. Sliced onion goes in and cooks until soft and slightly golden. Garlic joins next and cooks just until fragrant.

4. Create the Sauce

Chicken broth gets poured in slowly while scraping the bottom of the pan. This lifts all the flavor left behind. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced.

5. Add the Cream

Heavy cream goes into the pan and gets stirred gently. The sauce thickens as it warms and turns smooth and rich.

6. Smother the Chicken

Chicken returns to the skillet and gets nestled into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top so everything stays coated.

7. Simmer Until Tender

Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for about 25 minutes. The sauce thickens more and the chicken turns fork tender.

Tips & Variations

• Use bone in thighs for deeper flavor.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture.
• Let the sauce simmer uncovered for thicker gravy.
• Swap cream with half and half for lighter sauce.
• Season at the end for perfect balance.

Serving Suggestions

Smothered Chicken pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. The sauce loves something soft to soak into.

For vegetables, green beans or roasted broccoli balance the richness nicely. A warm biscuit on the side never hurts either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes just watch the simmer time so they stay juicy.

Does the sauce thicken more later?

Yes it thickens as it rests.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely it reheats very well.

Is this spicy?

The heat stays mild and adjustable.

How long do leftovers last?

Up to three days in the fridge.

Can I freeze it?

Yes freeze up to two months.

Final Thoughts

Smothered Chicken feels like comfort food done right. The sauce stays creamy, the chicken stays tender, and every bite feels filling and familiar.

This recipe proves that simple spices and patience can turn everyday ingredients into a dinner that feels special and comforting every single time.