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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Create a robust seasoning blend by whisking flour with aromatic spices in a large bowl, reserving 3 tablespoons for gravy preparation.
- Thoroughly coat each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage while shaking off excess powder.
- 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.
- Utilize the same pan’s remaining oil to caramelize diced onions, sautéing until translucent and fragrant for approximately 5 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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