Smothered Chicken

Published: July 8, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of tender chicken and flavorful gravy is perfect for those cozy nights.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over fluffy mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of any skill level.
Flavorful and Satisfying: The rich onion gravy adds depth and enhances the chicken’s natural juiciness.
Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and reheat for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and easy.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Shallow bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Paper towels
Spatula or tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: Ideal for searing chicken evenly while providing enough space for cooking all ingredients together.
Shallow bowl: Perfect for mixing seasoned flour without making a mess, allowing easy dredging of the chicken.

Ingredients

Juicy seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, savory onion gravy and topped with crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon. Comfort food done right—perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.

Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4-5 breasts)
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– ¾ cup all purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 3 tablespoons avocado oil (for frying)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion (cut into slivers)
– 1 ½ cups chicken broth (more as needed)
– ¾ cup half and half
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 cup cooked and chopped Turkey Turkey Bacon
– Fresh parsley (for garnish (optional))

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Smothered Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Mix Flour Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning. Scoop out 3 tablespoons of that seasoned flour and set it aside—we’ll use it for the gravy later.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dredge both sides of the chicken in the flour mixture until coated completely.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. You don’t need to cook it through yet—it will finish cooking in the sauce. If needed, work in batches. Transfer the chicken to a plate when done.

Step 5: Cook Onions

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook for about 5–8 minutes until softened and caramelized. Stir occasionally; if they brown too fast, lower the heat.

Step 6: Add Flour Mixture

Sprinkle in the reserved seasoned flour into the skillet with onions. Stir constantly for about one minute to cook out raw flour taste while preventing sticking or burning.

Step 7: Add Broth

Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously. Scrape up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds great flavor!

Step 8: Create Gravy Base

Stir in half and half along with Worcestershire sauce. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle boil before reducing it down to simmering heat.

Step 9: Combine Chicken & Gravy

Nestle seared chicken back into the pan. Sprinkle chopped Turkey Turkey Bacon on top. Simmer everything together for about 10–12 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 10: Serve

Spoon rich gravy over each piece of chicken before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting dish with mashed potatoes or rice!

How to Serve Smothered Chicken

Smothered Chicken is a dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. It pairs beautifully with various sides, enhancing its flavors and creating a well-rounded meal.

Over Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect base for your smothered chicken, soaking up the savory gravy.

With Rice

Fluffy white rice or brown rice serves as an excellent vehicle for the rich onion gravy, providing a hearty feel to your meal.

On a Bed of Greens

Serve smothered chicken on a bed of sautéed greens like spinach or kale for a healthier twist that adds a pop of color.

As Part of a Salad

Chop the chicken and toss it in a fresh salad for added protein, drizzled with your favorite dressing to complement the flavors.

In Tacos

Shred the smothered chicken and use it as filling for tacos. Top with avocado and salsa for a fun twist on this comforting dish.

With Crusty Bread

Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious gravy—perfect for those who love to indulge in dips!

How to Perfect Smothered Chicken

Creating perfect smothered chicken takes attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to elevate your dish.

Patience is Key: Allowing the onions to caramelize slowly enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; flavorful seasoning brings out the best in your chicken.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality broth can significantly impact the taste of your gravy.
Monitor Cooking Time: Ensure that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked but still juicy.
Adjust Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add more chicken broth or half-and-half until it reaches your desired consistency.
Garnish Thoughtfully: Fresh parsley not only looks great but adds a touch of freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Smothered Chicken

Complementing your smothered chicken with side dishes can enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Garlic Bread: A crunchy side that’s perfect for mopping up gravy, elevating your comfort food experience.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition, balancing out the richness of the dish.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast, making every bite delightful.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with savory dishes, adding texture and flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring both flavor and health benefits, complementing smothered chicken perfectly.
Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans contrasts nicely with savory dishes like smothered chicken, creating a satisfying meal.
Sweet Potato Mash: A sweeter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes that pairs well with savory gravies.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can provide a nutritious boost alongside this rich main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Smothered Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid to ensure a delicious outcome.

Overcooking the chicken: It’s important not to cook the chicken all the way through during the searing step. The chicken will finish cooking in the gravy, so aim for a nice golden crust and set it aside for later.
Skipping the seasoning: Don’t skip seasoning your chicken or the flour mixture. Well-seasoned components create layers of flavor that elevate your Smothered Chicken.
Using too much heat: Cooking on high heat can lead to burnt onions and unevenly cooked chicken. Keep an eye on your heat settings; medium is often best for this dish.
Not scraping the pan: Failing to scrape up those flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan can mean missing out on rich flavors in your gravy. Make sure to deglaze properly with broth!
Ignoring consistency: If your gravy is too thick or too thin, it can affect the overall dish. Adjust with more broth or half-and-half until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Smothered Chicken in an airtight container.
It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Smothered Chicken

Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Smothered Chicken

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth if necessary. Heat the chicken until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Smothered Chicken.

Can I use bone-in chicken for Smothered Chicken?

Yes! Bone-in chicken adds more flavor but may require longer cooking times. Just ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

What can I serve with Smothered Chicken?

Smothered Chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even biscuits. Choose what suits your taste!

How do I make Smothered Chicken gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch when dredging the chicken and thickening the gravy.

Can I customize the toppings for my Smothered Chicken?

Absolutely! You can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even different types of bacon for added flavor and texture.

How do I store leftover Smothered Chicken?

Follow proper storage techniques by placing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for later use.

Final Thoughts

Smothered Chicken is not only comforting but also versatile enough to customize according to your taste preferences. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, this dish promises satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and sides—your kitchen adventure awaits!

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