The Best Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe That Sings Comfort

My grandmother’s cherished southern smothered chicken recipe whispers tales of comfort from her Alabama kitchen.

Memories of Sunday dinners flood back with each savory bite.

Tender meat falling off the bone speaks volumes about slow-cooked traditions.

Crispy skin and rich gravy create a symphony of flavors you cannot resist.

Generations have gathered around this hearty dish, sharing stories and laughter.

Secrets passed down through careful preparation make this more than just a meal.

Dive into a culinary journey that promises warmth and nostalgia with every forkful.

FAQs

• What makes the chicken golden brown?

The seasoned flour mixture and frying in hot oil create a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in the chicken’s moisture and adds incredible flavor.

• Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with bone-in chicken pieces, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can also be used. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.

• Why do I need to set aside 3 tablespoons of seasoned flour?

Those 3 tablespoons are crucial for creating a smooth, lump-free gravy that perfectly complements the chicken. It helps thicken the sauce and adds extra seasoning.

Southern Smothered Chicken Comfort On A Plate

• Savor Southern Comfort: A classic dish that brings the warmth and richness of Southern cooking right to your dinner table.
• Master the Technique: Learn a simple yet impressive cooking method that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal culinary skills required.
• One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal with minimal cleanup, using a single skillet to create a delicious chicken dish that's packed with flavor and homemade gravy.
• Family Feast Favorite: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its comforting taste and tender chicken.

Ingredients To Prepare Southern Smothered Chicken

• Chicken: Juicy and tender protein that forms the heart of this Southern comfort dish.

• All-Purpose Flour, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Poultry Seasoning, Paprika: A flavorful blend of spices that creates a crispy, well-seasoned coating for the chicken.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides the medium for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the gravy base.
• Chicken Bouillon, Chicken Broth: Enhance the rich, savory flavor of the gravy.
• Milk: Contributes to the creamy, smooth texture of the gravy.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the final dish.

How To Cook Southern Smothered Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Flour

Mix flour with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and paprika. Reserve 3 tablespoons for the gravy.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Dredge chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess for an even coating.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden brown (not fully cooked). Remove and set aside, keeping the oil.

Step 4: Caramelize Onions

Sauté diced onions in the same skillet until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

Add reserved flour to onions and cook 2 minutes.

Gradually whisk in chicken bouillon, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and broth – stirring to avoid lumps. Cook 2–3 minutes, then add milk and simmer until thick.

Step 6: Simmer Chicken in Gravy

Return chicken to skillet, spoon gravy over pieces, cover, and simmer 30 minutes. Turn occasionally for even cooking.

Step 7: Serve Southern Style

(Optional) Sprinkle parsley on top. Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for a true Southern feast.

Tips To Nail Southern Smothered Chicken

• Whisk seasonings thoroughly into flour for even, flavorful chicken coverage that locks in maximum taste and crunch.
• Keep medium heat steady to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the chicken's delicate coating.
• Slowly whisk broth and milk into flour mixture, stirring constantly to create smooth, velvety gravy without unwanted clumps.
• Let chicken simmer gently in gravy for full 30 minutes to tenderize meat and allow seasonings to penetrate every bite.
• Spoon extra gravy over chicken and choose classic Southern sides like fluffy rice or homemade biscuits for an authentic experience.

Variations To Change Up Southern Smothered Chicken

• Gluten-Free Southern Smothered Chicken: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free rice flour or cornstarch for dredging, maintaining the same seasoning profile and cooking technique.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage into the seasoned flour mixture for an elevated herbal flavor profile that complements the rich gravy.
• Low-Sodium Southern Comfort: Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce salt in seasoning, and substitute with herbs like dried oregano and marjoram to maintain depth of flavor without excess sodium.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream for the gravy, ensuring a creamy texture while keeping the dish friendly for dairy-sensitive individuals.

Pairing Ideas To Serve With Southern Smothered Chicken

Soft, buttery mashed potatoes absorb the rich, savory gravy perfectly, creating a classic Southern comfort food combination.

Flaky, golden biscuits provide the ideal surface for soaking up extra gravy and complement the tender smothered chicken.

A medium-bodied white wine with subtle oak notes cuts through the dish’s richness and enhances the chicken’s deep, hearty flavors.

Slightly acidic, tender collard greens provide a fresh contrast to the heavy, creamy chicken and help cleanse the palate between bites.

Proper Storage To Keep Southern Smothered Chicken Fresh

• Store leftover Southern Smothered Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces separately in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible Smothered Chicken, delivering hearty Southern hospitality with rich, velvety gravy and crispy, golden-brown chicken. Generations of family traditions blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each comforting, soulful bite of pure Southern deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken thighs and/or drumsticks

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups (167 grams) flour
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Gravy Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup (158 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) milk
• Parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Create a robust seasoning blend by whisking flour with aromatic spices in a large bowl, reserving 3 tablespoons for gravy preparation.
2. Thoroughly coat each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage while shaking off excess powder.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium temperature (around 350°F), carefully placing chicken pieces to achieve golden-brown exterior without overcrowding the pan. Fry until exterior is crisp but not fully cooked, then transfer chicken to a separate plate.
4. Utilize the same pan’s remaining oil to caramelize diced onions, sautéing until translucent and fragrant for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Incorporate reserved seasoned flour into the onion mixture, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Gradually introduce chicken broth and milk, whisking methodically to eliminate potential lumps and create a smooth, rich gravy.
6. Gently reintroduce fried chicken pieces into the gravy, spooning liquid over each piece. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and allow chicken to simmer for 30 minutes, occasionally rotating pieces to ensure even cooking and thorough gravy absorption.
7. Once chicken is tender and fully cooked, optional fresh parsley can be sprinkled on top. Serve immediately alongside traditional Southern accompaniments like fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Achieve crispy, golden chicken by ensuring the oil is at the right temperature, around 350°F, using a thermometer for precision.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or rice flour, maintaining the same seasoning blend.
• Enhance flavor depth by marinating chicken in buttermilk for 2-4 hours before coating, which tenderizes and adds a subtle tangy note.
• Prevent gravy from becoming lumpy by whisking constantly and adding liquid gradually, creating a smooth, velvety texture that coats the chicken perfectly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 415 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 930 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg