This Easy Smothered Chicken is a cozy meal that everyone will love! Juicy chicken pieces cooked in a rich, creamy sauce will make your taste buds smile.
I just love serving this with rice or mashed potatoes. The sauce is perfect for soaking up all that goodness! Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give great flavor and keep the meat juicy. If you prefer, skinless chicken breasts will work just fine, but they might be a bit drier.
Onion: A large onion adds sweetness as it caramelizes. You can swap it with shallots or sweet onions like Vidalia for a different flavor.
Heavy Cream: This gives a rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, whole milk or even half-and-half can be good substitutes, though they may create a thinner sauce.
Dried Thyme: It adds a lovely earthy flavor. If you have fresh thyme on hand, it’s even better! Use about three times as much fresh as dried.
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Extra Crispy?
Crispy skin is essential for great flavor! The trick is to ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This way, the skin sizzles and browns nicely without stewing in its juices.
- Start with a medium-high heat and give the oil a few moments to heat up.
- Always place the chicken skin-side down first. Resist the urge to move it around; let it sear properly for 5-6 minutes.
- Turn the chicken carefully and let the other side brown, too. Always ensure both sides are deep golden brown before removing.
Following this will give you the crispy texture everyone loves!
Easy Smothered Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can also use breasts)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 40 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at about 50 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides. This step adds great flavor to the chicken!
2. Browning the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken to the skillet, skin side down. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden brown, then flip and brown the other side for another 5-6 minutes. Once the chicken is golden, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cooking the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion. Cook over medium heat until softened and caramelized, about 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This will give the sauce a delicious base flavor.
4. Making the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and stir well to coat. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually stir in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any tasty bits stuck to the pan.
5. Add Flavor:
Add the thyme and butter to the sauce, stirring to combine everything. This will enhance the flavor of your sauce.
6. Simmering the Chicken:
Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Final Touches:
Remove the chicken once again, and stir the heavy cream or milk into the sauce. Cook uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce to your liking. It should be nice and creamy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Return the chicken to the sauce to warm through. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or any of your favorite sides for a complete meal!
Enjoy your comforting Easy Smothered Chicken dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s essential to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw chicken is in the fridge overnight or using a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker method. Avoid cooking chicken from frozen, as it may not cook evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just be mindful that this will impart a different flavor, but it will still create a delicious sauce!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time! Cook the chicken and sauce, then refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
