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Pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in creamy onion gravy, garnished with fresh herbs and served with mashed potatoes.

Smothered Chicken Recipe

This smothered chicken is juicy, flavorful, and covered in a rich, creamy onion gravy. It’s the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners—easy to make, deeply satisfying, and full of Southern flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Step 1: Season the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

  • In the same skillet, melt butter. Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and caramelized (about 6–8 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Sprinkle in the flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Smother the Chicken

  • Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the onion gravy over the top. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all that delicious flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for the ultimate comfort meal.

Notes

Tips & Variations

  • Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor (just adjust cooking time).
  • Add mushrooms for a savory twist.
  • Lighten it up with milk instead of cream, or use Greek yogurt stirred in at the end.
Keyword Smothered Chicken Recipe