Description
Hearty southern smothered chicken brings soulful flavors from traditional Southern kitchens. Richly seasoned chicken simmered in a creamy gravy offers home cooks a delicious comfort meal that satisfies deeply.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3–4 pounds organic chicken, skin removed (drumsticks and thigh pieces)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup organic all-purpose flour
Cooking Liquids and Aromatics:
- 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
- Prepare the chicken by coating it with Lawry’s seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Seal in a ziplock bag and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight. Allow to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat (375°F). Sear the marinated chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and caramelize onions until deeply golden, approximately 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Incorporate flour into the onion-garlic mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Gradually pour in chicken stock, whisking until the sauce smoothly thickens within 2-3 minutes.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Blend in heavy cream, fresh thyme sprigs, and remaining Lawry’s seasoning salt. Simmer until the sauce becomes velvety and slightly reduced.
- Reintroduce seared chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the creamy sauce. Continue simmering for 10-15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce reaches a rich, luxurious consistency.
- If sauce needs additional thickening, whisk a small amount of flour with water and gently incorporate. Remove from heat and serve alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or seasonal vegetables.
Notes
- Perfectly season chicken by allowing it to marinate overnight, which helps develop deep, rich flavors that penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Control cooking temperature carefully to prevent burning while ensuring a golden-brown exterior that seals in juicy chicken tenderness.
- Customize sauce thickness by gradually adding flour-water mixture, watching consistency develop slowly for a smooth, velvety gravy without lumps.
- Adapt recipe for dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version or using gluten-free flour for low-carb alternative.
- Prep Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg