Southern Smothered Chicken with Creamy Gravy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Southern Smothered Chicken with Creamy Gravy is a comforting, soul-satisfying dish that’s perfect for any family dinner. The tender, crispy chicken is smothered in a rich and creamy gravy that’s packed with flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or greens, making it a complete and hearty meal. It’s a classic Southern favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

ingredients

this Recipe

*Chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor)
*Flour
*Seasoned salt
*Black pepper
*Paprika
*Garlic powder
*Onion powder
*Buttermilk (for soaking the chicken)
*Vegetable oil (for frying)
*Chicken broth
*Heavy cream
*Butter
*Yellow onion (finely chopped)
*Garlic cloves (minced)
*Fresh thyme (optional)

directions

1. Begin by soaking the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, coating each piece well.
4. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the chopped onions until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
7. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh thyme, if using, and simmer until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
9. Return the fried chicken to the skillet and coat it with the creamy gravy. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10. Serve the smothered chicken with mashed potatoes, rice, or greens.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Soaking time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

*Add mushrooms to the gravy for a richer, earthy flavor.
*Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer a quicker cooking time.
*For a bit of spice, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or the gravy.

storage/reheating

Store leftover smothered chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the chicken and gravy in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken will cook faster and still taste great, but you’ll miss out on the crispy skin.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the chicken and make the gravy ahead of time. Store them separately and reheat before serving.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can adjust the seasoning if you prefer more heat.

Conclusion

Southern Smothered Chicken with Creamy Gravy is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings the heart of Southern cooking to your table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to be a hit with its rich gravy and crispy chicken.

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