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Southern Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy served on a plate

Southern Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy

A comforting Southern dish where chicken is cooked in a rich onion gravy, perfect for cozy family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts.
  • 2 medium yellow or sweet onions, sliced More onions can be added for onion lovers.
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour For dredging and thickening the gravy.
  • 2 tablespoons butter For flavor and browning.
  • 1 tablespoon oil For browning the chicken.
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth Taste matters; use a broth you enjoy.
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream Optional, but adds richness.
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme Optional, for additional flavor.
  • 1 pinch cayenne Optional, to add a slight kick.
  • 1 splash Worcestershire sauce Optional, for flavor enhancement.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Lightly dredge the seasoned chicken in flour and shake off the extra.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat.
  2. Brown the chicken pieces in the skillet, cooking until both sides are golden, then set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, cook the sliced onions until soft and lightly golden, adding more butter if necessary.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook for about a minute.
  5. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to create a gravy.
  6. Add milk or cream if desired and stir to combine.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon gravy over it, cover, and simmer until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  8. If gravy thickens too much, add more broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered to thicken.

Notes

Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits to soak up the gravy. For spiciness, add cayenne or hot sauce at the table.