Southern Smothered Chicken is a dish that promises love at first bite! This creamy, savory delight combines juicy, tender chicken with a rich gravy that’s comforting and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day—perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Did you know this tasty dish has roots in Southern cuisine, where “smothering” is a cooking technique that creates moist and tender meat? You might also want to check out our popular Chicken and Dumplings recipe, which shares that same soul-soothing charm but in a different style! So grab your apron, and get ready for some deliciousness—it’s time to try your hand at this easy, family-friendly recipe!
What is Southern Smothered Chicken?
So, what’s the scoop on this Southern Smothered Chicken? Let’s break it down! The name evokes images of Southern kitchens filled with love, laughter, and maybe a little bit of chaos (who hasn’t burned a biscuit or two?). Why do they call it “smothered”? Well, the chicken is literally smothered in a creamy, savory gravy, making every bite heavenly! And honestly, if “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” then this dish is a first-class ticket! So why not show that special someone your culinary skills? Dive into this recipe, and your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Southern Smothered Chicken
You’ll love this Southern Smothered Chicken for three key reasons: its mouthwatering flavor, its budget-savvy nature, and its unique toppings that elevate the dish. The main highlight, of course, is the chicken itself, which caramelizes beautifully and absorbs all that rich savory gravy. Cooking it at home saves you a bundle—no overpriced takeout here! And don’t even get us started on that gravy; it’s a magical sauce made from a luscious blend of milk, broth, and spices that pulls everything together. If you enjoy comfort food like our Homemade Mac and Cheese, you’ll want to experience this Southern delight, too. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s make something delicious!
How to Make Southern Smothered Chicken: Quick Overview
Making Southern Smothered Chicken is as easy as pie! In just under an hour, you can whip up a meal that’s not only delicious but also impressive. With simple steps that require minimal prep, this dish stands out for its creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken. Get your timer ready—you won’t want to wait long once you start smelling that mouthwatering aroma coming from your kitchen!
Ingredients for Southern Smothered Chicken
To whip up this hearty dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 2-3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/2 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley or thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan, crumble it, and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet for flavor.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, ginger, and cinnamon. Dredge the seasoned chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Brown the Chicken: In the same skillet with bacon fat, add 1-2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: To the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Whisk in the remaining flour and cook for about a minute. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, stirring until smooth and thickened.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the gravy over each piece. Reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle crumbled bacon and fresh parsley or thyme over the chicken. Enjoy!
What to Serve Southern Smothered Chicken With
This rich and creamy Southern Smothered Chicken pairs perfectly with various side dishes. Consider serving it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, where the gravy can be generously poured over, or buttery cornbread that soaks up all that goodness. Fresh green beans or collard greens also complement the dish beautifully. For drinks, sweet tea or a light white wine adds a refreshing finish to the meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Southern Smothered Chicken
- Customize the Spice: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste! Add a pinch of cayenne for some heat or swap out herbs for something you love.
- Proper Browning: When searing the chicken, give it enough time to develop a nice golden-brown crust before flipping. This enhances flavor!
- Make it Healthy: If you want a healthier version, you can use olive oil instead of butter and low-fat milk.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F for perfect juiciness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store any Southern Smothered Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, keep it in a freezer-safe container, and it will hold up for about 2-3 months. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the gravy creamy. You can also heat it in the microwave, but be cautious to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking times as bone-in pieces usually take longer to cook.
What can I substitute for milk?
Cream or non-dairy milk can work, especially if you prefer a richer flavor.
Is it spicy?
Not really! The spices are more aromatic than spicy, but feel free to add a little heat if you like.
Conclusion
Southern Smothered Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious experience that warms both the belly and the soul. With its creamy gravy, mouthwatering chicken, and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this Southern classic will surely delight! So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and make some magic happen in your kitchen today! Happy cooking!
Southern Smothered Chicken
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients for Southern Smothered Chicken
- 4 slices Bacon Cooked until crispy
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 2-3 tablespoons Butter For cooking
- 1.5 cups Whole milk
- 1.5 cups Chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 0.5 tablespoon Fresh chopped parsley or thyme For garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan, crumble it, and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet for flavor.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, ginger, and cinnamon. Dredge the seasoned chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Brown the Chicken: In the same skillet with bacon fat, add 1-2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: To the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. Whisk in the remaining flour and cook for about a minute. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, stirring until smooth and thickened.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the gravy over each piece. Reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle crumbled bacon and fresh parsley or thyme over the chicken. Enjoy!