Southern Smothered Chicken Delight – Creamy, Juicy & Irresistible

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring some Southern comfort to your kitchen? 🍗💛 Today’s recipe is a warm, soulful classic that wraps you in creamy goodness from the very first bite — Southern Smothered Chicken Delight – Creamy, Juicy & Irresistible. This dish is a heartfelt nod to Southern home cooking, where every bite tells a story of Sunday dinners, laughter around the table, and a little extra love in every stir of the pan.

Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken pieces bathed in a velvety onion gravy — thick, rich, and loaded with flavor. The magic lies in the “smothering” — that slow simmer that lets all the seasonings blend into one comforting, stick-to-your-ribs masterpiece. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttery biscuits, and you’ll understand why this dish has stood the test of time.

Whether it’s your first time making it or a beloved family tradition, smothered chicken promises pure satisfaction with every forkful. So tie on that apron, grab your cast iron skillet, and get ready for a down-home meal that’s sure to become a favorite. 🌽🍴

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🥣 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Creamy Gravy:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a dash of hot sauce for extra kick 🌶️

To Serve:

• Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or warm biscuits

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Season the Chicken
   Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This gives a flavorful base and ensures crispiness.
2. Brown the Chicken
   In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, skin side down, and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onions
   In the same pan, melt the butter. Add sliced onions and cook until soft and caramelized, about 5 minutes. The brown bits from the chicken add deep flavor — don’t wipe them away!
4. Make the Roux
   Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes, until lightly browned. This is the base of your creamy gravy.
5. Add the Liquids
   Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring to dissolve any lumps. Then pour in heavy cream, thyme, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Smother and Simmer
   Return the browned chicken to the skillet, spooning gravy over the top. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 30–35 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7. Finish and Serve
   Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon that creamy goodness over rice or mashed potatoes — and don’t forget to drizzle extra gravy on top! 😋

Enjoy the rich, Southern comfort that fills both your plate and your heart. 💕

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🍽️ Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 45 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 1 hour
⚡ Calories per serving: 420
🍽️ Servings: 4

Estimated per serving:

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 610mg

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️