Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken

This Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken recipe is a comforting, home-cooked meal that comes together in one pan. Featuring juicy, seasoned chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
  • Comfort food classic – Rich, creamy, and packed with homestyle goodness.
  • Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples for an easy, fuss-free recipe.
  • Versatile – Pair with various sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or veggies.
  • Perfect for meal prep – Reheats well for leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken thighs or breasts
  • All-purpose flour
  • Onion, sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream or milk
  • Butter
  • Vegetable oil
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • Dried thyme
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Season the chicken – Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Dredge and brown – Lightly coat the chicken in flour and brown it in a skillet with oil over medium heat. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté onions and garlic – In the same pan, melt butter and cook onions until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Make the gravy – Stir in the remaining flour, then slowly whisk in chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
  5. Simmer – Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
  6. Finish with cream – Stir in heavy cream or milk, let it thicken for a few minutes, then garnish with parsley.
  7. Serve – Enjoy over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy kick – Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • Mushroom gravy – Sauté mushrooms with the onions.
  • Herbaceous twist – Use rosemary or sage for a deeper flavor.
  • Dairy-free – Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk.
  • Gluten-free – Use cornstarch instead of flour for the gravy.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken

How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster.

What can I serve with smothered chicken?

Mashed potatoes, rice, cornbread, or steamed vegetables are excellent sides.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the chicken first, then cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How can I make the gravy thicker?

Add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water) and simmer until thickened.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and heavy cream instead of milk for a keto version.

What’s the best pan to use?

A heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron works best for even cooking.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers work well in this dish.

How do I store extra gravy?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for later use.

Conclusion

Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken is a classic comfort food recipe that’s rich, flavorful, and simple to make. With its creamy, savory gravy and tender chicken, it’s a perfect dish for any night of the week. Try it with your favorite sides and enjoy a homemade meal that feels like a hug on a plate!

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Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken

Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This classic Southern dish features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, flavorful onion gravy. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Dredge each piece in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  4. Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the remaining flour (from dredging the chicken) into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook the flour. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the milk or heavy cream, paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer the Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. Serve: Once done, taste the gravy and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the smothered chicken hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or with your favorite side dish.

Notes

  • For a thicker gravy, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce to your desired consistency.
  • Feel free to add mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions for additional flavor and texture.

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