Smothered chicken and gravy is a heartwarming southern dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken with a rich, flavorful homemade gravy. This savory meal is ideal for cozy family dinners, providing a comforting, hearty option perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal to whip up on a busy night or a slow-cooked masterpiece to enjoy at your leisure, this smothered chicken and gravy recipe delivers on all fronts. The perfect pairing with mashed potatoes or rice, this dish is sure to satisfy.
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Why Smothered Chicken and Gravy is the Ultimate Comfort Food
This recipe is an absolute winner in terms of ease and flavor. Smothered chicken and gravy combines juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with a rich, homemade gravy, offering the ultimate comfort food experience. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but also in its versatility. You can prepare it quickly on the stovetop in under 30 minutes or set it and forget it by using a slow cooker. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a quiet night in, this dish guarantees to fill your home with warm, inviting aromas.
Ingredients for Smothered Chicken and Gravy
The ingredients for this dish are simple, yet they come together beautifully to create layers of flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need:
• Chicken breasts or cutlets: These form the base of the dish, providing a juicy, tender texture that soaks up all the flavors of the gravy.
• Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory note to the gravy.
• Onion: Enhances the gravy’s depth with its natural sweetness.
• Celery: Provides an aromatic crunch that balances the richness of the gravy.
• Poultry seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices that gives the chicken and gravy their distinctive, comforting flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness to the gravy, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
• Chicken stock: The base of the gravy, offering a savory depth of flavor.
• Sour cream: Adds a touch of creaminess to the gravy, making it even more indulgent.
• Rice or mashed potatoes: Serve as the perfect base for the chicken and gravy.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to customize this recipe based on your dietary needs or preferences, here are a few swaps you can make:
• Chicken thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful cut, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt: To reduce calories, you can replace sour cream with low-fat alternatives.
• Cauliflower rice: If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice makes a great substitute for regular rice.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Smothered Chicken and Gravy
Making smothered chicken and gravy is simple and requires just a few steps. Follow these instructions for a delicious meal:
- Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with poultry seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Flip the chicken once and add butter to the skillet to keep the chicken moist. Once cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), remove the chicken and set it aside under foil to keep warm. - Prepare the Gravy
In the same skillet, add more butter, followed by diced onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the vegetables soften. Sprinkle in flour and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then gradually add chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and scrape up any brown bits from the pan to incorporate all the flavors. Let the gravy thicken for about 5 minutes. - Combine Chicken and Gravy
Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the gravy. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. - Finish and Serve
Stir in sour cream to give the gravy a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the smothered chicken and gravy over buttery mashed potatoes or rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Smothered Chicken and Gravy
To ensure your smothered chicken and gravy turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:
• Don’t overcrowd the chicken: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring it gets a nice, golden sear.
• Add seasoning gradually: Taste your gravy as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. This ensures the dish is well-seasoned without being overpowering.
• Slow cooker option: For a hands-off meal, cook the chicken in a slow cooker. Simply follow the same steps for seasoning the chicken, then add the chicken, onions, garlic, celery, and chicken stock into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours, then shred the chicken and finish with sour cream.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Smothered chicken and gravy pairs beautifully with various sides and toppings. Here are a few ideas:
• Side dishes: Serve with mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience, or opt for rice for a lighter base.
• Vegetables: Add a side of steamed green beans or sautéed spinach to balance the richness of the dish.
• Spicy version: For a little kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish gluten-free.
Why Smothered Chicken and Gravy is a Family Favorite
This smothered chicken and gravy recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special gathering, or simply looking for a delicious and comforting meal to enjoy at home, this dish will never disappoint. With its rich flavors, tender chicken, and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that everyone will love.
By following this simple recipe, you can create a Southern-inspired meal that’s sure to bring comfort to your table, no matter the season.
Conclusion
Smothered chicken and gravy is a delightful and versatile dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, the combination of tender chicken and rich, savory gravy will leave everyone coming back for seconds. With the ability to cook it on the stove in under 30 minutes or in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach, this dish fits seamlessly into any lifestyle. Don’t forget to pair it with mashed potatoes or rice for the ultimate comfort food experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for smothered chicken and gravy?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They are more flavorful and juicy, making them an excellent choice for this dish. Simply follow the same cooking instructions, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
To thicken the gravy, you can either cook it a bit longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors or add an additional tablespoon of flour. If the gravy becomes too thick, simply add a little more chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.
Can I prepare smothered chicken and gravy in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and gravy in advance. Store the cooked chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit more chicken stock if necessary to bring it back to the right consistency.
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Smothered Chicken and Gravy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Smothered chicken and gravy is a comforting Southern dish that combines juicy chicken with a rich, flavorful homemade gravy. It’s the perfect dish for family dinners or a cozy night in, served over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken cutlets or breasts (pounded thin for even cooking)
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 stick butter (4 tbsp)
- Poultry seasoning (to taste)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Buttery mashed potatoes or rice for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Flip the chicken once, and add butter. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté diced onion, celery, and garlic for 3 minutes until soft. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, then slowly add chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Bring the gravy mixture to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Simmer everything together for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in sour cream, adjust seasonings, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve the smothered chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Feel free to use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- This dish can be made in a slow cooker—follow the same steps for seasoning the chicken and add to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours, then shred the chicken and serve.
- If the gravy is too thick, add more chicken stock to achieve the desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
