Y'all, I'm excited to share with you the recipe for Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken! This classic comfort food dish is a staple in many Southern households, and for good reason – it's easy to make, tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
**Ingredients:**
For the chicken:
* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 tsp black pepper
* 1 tsp paprika
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp onion powder
For the gravy:
* 2 tbsp butter or oil
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
* 1 tsp Dijon mustard
* 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Optional ingredients for variations:**
* 1/4 cup brown sugar (for caramelized chicken)
* 1/4 cup chopped bacon or pancetta (for smoky flavor)
* 1/4 cup diced onions or bell peppers (for added flavor)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for added freshness)
* 1/4 cup crumbled crackers or croutons (for crunchy topping)
**Cooking steps:**
1. **Season the chicken:** In a shallow dish, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
2. **Cook the chicken:** In a large skillet, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Make the gravy:** In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, heavy cream or half-and-half, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
4. **Smother the chicken:** Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and spoon some of the gravy over the top of each piece. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
5. **Serve:** Serve the smothered chicken hot, garnished with chopped parsley or scallions if desired. Offer crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful gravy.
**Tips and variations:**
* Use a cast-iron skillet: If you have a cast-iron skillet, use it! The iron will add a subtle depth to the dish and help brown the chicken evenly.
* Brown the chicken properly: Take the time to brown the chicken on all sides. This will create a rich, caramelized crust that's essential to the dish's flavor.
* Don't overcook the chicken: Smothered chicken can easily become dry and overcooked. Aim for a tender, juicy texture by cooking the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* Experiment with spices: Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or substitute the paprika with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* Add some texture: Top the chicken with chopped bacon, crumbled crackers, or toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch.
* Try different broths: Use chicken broth, beef broth, or even vegetable broth to change up the flavor profile.
**Other delicious variations:**
* **Cajun Smothered Chicken:** Add some Cajun seasoning to the chicken, and substitute the heavy cream with chicken broth.
* **Barbecue Smothered Chicken:** Smoky flavor meets tangy BBQ sauce in this variation. Add some BBQ sauce to the gravy and top the chicken with chopped bacon and crumbled crackers.
* **Spicy Smothered Chicken:** Add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the gravy and sprinkle some paprika on top of the chicken.
Now, y'all, I hope you enjoy this recipe for Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken! Remember, the key to success lies in the browning of the chicken and the slow simmering of the gravy. Happy cooking!
Must Tried Recipes :
