Southern Smothered Chicken is a beloved comfort food that combines tender, juicy chicken pieces with a rich, flavorful gravy. This recipe uses drumsticks and thighs, perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked in a creamy gravy made from chicken stock, fresh herbs, and a touch of heavy cream. It’s a classic Southern dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner, and it pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or warm biscuits.

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The Inspiration Behind Southern Smothered Chicken

Southern cuisine is known for its hearty, comforting meals, and smothered chicken is one of the most iconic dishes in that tradition. Slow-cooked until tender, the chicken is "smothered" in a savory gravy made from pan drippings, butter, and flour. This version takes it up a notch with the addition of fresh thyme, garlic, and creamy chicken stock, creating a rich and luxurious sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Why Southern Smothered Chicken Will Become a Family Favorite

This dish stands out for its combination of bold seasoning and tender, juicy chicken. The slow-cooking method ensures the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, while the creamy gravy, made with heavy cream and chicken stock, adds depth and richness to the dish. The addition of garlic, onion, and fresh thyme infuses the sauce with layers of flavor, making this a dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Fat: 37g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 45g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 750mg

This smothered chicken dish is both hearty and satisfying, offering plenty of protein and rich flavors in every bite.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve this Southern Smothered Chicken over fluffy white rice, mashed potatoes, or even grits to soak up the delicious gravy. It pairs beautifully with Southern sides like collard greens, cornbread, or green beans. For a classic Southern meal, try pairing it with sweet tea or a chilled glass of lemonade.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover smothered chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and gravy on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to thin the gravy. You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Fun Fact: The Tradition of Smothering

Smothering is a traditional Southern cooking technique that involves slow-cooking meat in a gravy or sauce. It was originally developed as a way to make tougher cuts of meat tender and flavorful. Today, the technique is used to create rich, comforting dishes like smothered chicken, pork chops, and even vegetables.

Cooking Tips

• Choose the Right Chicken Pieces: Drumsticks and thighs are ideal for this dish because they remain juicy during slow cooking. Remove the skin to help the seasonings and gravy penetrate the meat more easily.
• Flour the Chicken: Lightly dredging the chicken in flour before browning helps to thicken the gravy as it cooks.
• Fresh Thyme: Using fresh thyme sprigs instead of dried herbs gives the gravy a more vibrant, aromatic flavor.

Optional Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a bit of heat.
• Mushroom Gravy: For extra depth, sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions before adding the chicken stock.
• Swap the Cream: For a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

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Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs. organic chicken, skin removed (drumsticks and thighs work best)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons Lawry's seasoning salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup organic all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 cups organic chicken stock or bone broth
• 1 cup organic heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of Lawry's seasoning salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each piece of chicken lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Add the Broth and Cream: Stir in the chicken stock and remaining teaspoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt. Add the fresh thyme sprigs and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Smother the Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the gravy. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Serve: Remove the thyme sprigs and discard. Serve the smothered chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits, spooning the rich gravy over the top. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

This Southern Smothered Chicken is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken and creamy, savory gravy will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you serve it over rice or with a side of fluffy biscuits, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.