soul food smothered chicken recipe

The Best soul food smothered chicken recipe

I’ve been making smothered chicken for years, and it’s a staple in our household. This classic soul food dish is a crowd-pleaser, and I love it because it’s easy to make and always turns out delicious.

The key to this recipe is in the cooking technique – slow-cooking the chicken in a rich, savory gravy that’s infused with all the flavors of the South. It’s a comforting dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl.

I’ve served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even just on a Tuesday night when I need something comforting. My kids love it when I serve it with mashed potatoes or over rice, and my husband can’t get enough of the juicy chicken.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and herbs from our garden. The best part?

It’s ridiculously easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. My friends and family all rave about this recipe, and I’m happy to share it with you today.

Soul Food Smothered Chicken

4.7 from 1640 votes

A classic soul food dish featuring tender chicken smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Gravy

2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2Dredge in flour, shaking off any excess.
Set aside.
3Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4Add chicken thighs skin-side down.
5Cook until skin is golden brown and crispy, 5 to 7 minutes.
6Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
8In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
9Add butter, onion, and garlic.
10Cook until onions are translucent and slightly caramelized, 3 to 5 minutes.
11Stir in flour, paprika, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
12Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
13Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring continuously.
14Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
15Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up.
16Spoon the gravy over the chicken to coat evenly.
17Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it smother for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
18Stir the gravy occasionally to ensure even cooking.
19Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
20Serve chicken hot with plenty of gravy spooned over the top.
21Enjoy with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, cornbread, or collard greens.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet with lid
Tong
Bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight before dredging in flour. Serve with hot sauce or pickles on the side for extra heat and tang.

Watch Video Of How Soul Food Smothered Chicken Works

This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m so glad to be able to share it with you today!

Smothered chicken is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need something comforting on a Tuesday night.

And don’t worry if you’re not feeling like cooking from scratch – this recipe is ridiculously easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Soul Food Smothered Chicken

Q: What is smothered chicken?

Smothered chicken is a classic Southern dish where chicken is cooked in a rich, savory gravy that’s infused with all the flavors of the South. It’s typically made with boneless chicken breasts or thighs, but you can use whatever cut you prefer.

Q: What are the key ingredients in smothered chicken?

The key ingredients in smothered chicken are boneless chicken breasts or thighs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, butter or oil for browning the chicken, and your choice of vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onions) for added flavor.

Q: How do I make smothered chicken?

To make smothered chicken, simply season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Then dredge the chicken in flour to coat. Next, heat some oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Sear the chicken until it’s browned on both sides and cooked through.

Q: Can I make smothered chicken ahead of time?

Yes! One of the best things about smothered chicken is that you can prep it ahead of time and then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to cook it.

Q: How do I reheat smothered chicken?

Reheating smothered chicken is easy – simply place it back in the skillet with some new oil or butter if needed and reheat until warmed through.

Q: Can I substitute different types of meat in smothered chicken?

Yes! You can use boneless pork chops or beef strips instead of chicken if you prefer – just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on your meat choice.

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