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.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time45 minutesmins
Course: Main
Cuisine: Southern
Keyword: Comfort Food, Easy
Servings: 4servings
Equipment
Large Skillet
Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients for Southern Smothered Chicken
4slicesBaconCooked until crispy
4piecesBoneless, skinless chicken breasts
1cupAll-purpose flour
1teaspoonOnion powder
1teaspoonGarlic powder
1teaspoonPaprika
1teaspoonSalt
1teaspoonFreshly ground black pepper
1teaspoonGround ginger
1teaspoonGround cinnamon
2-3tablespoonsButterFor cooking
1.5cupsWhole milk
1.5cupsChicken broth or vegetable broth
0.5tablespoonFresh chopped parsley or thymeFor 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!
Notes
This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery cornbread, fresh green beans, or collard greens. Sweet tea or a light white wine complements the meal beautifully.