Description
Creamy smothered chicken delights Southern palates with rich, comforting flavors. Succulent chicken nestles in a velvety sauce that invites hearty spoonfuls and warm memories.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3½ lbs chicken pieces (thighs and legs, skin retained)
- 2 oz vegetable oil
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter
- 2½ cups chicken stock or broth
- 2 oz half & half
- 1½ yellow onions (finely sliced)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt or fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tsps freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsps poultry seasoning
Instructions
- Carefully trim excess fat from chicken and sanitize thoroughly, then set aside for seasoning.
- Create a robust flour mixture in a mixing bowl or sealed bag, blending seasonings like salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and poultry seasoning.
- Heat vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high temperature, around 375°F. Dredge chicken pieces completely in seasoned flour, shaking off excess coating.
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning. Transfer seared pieces to a separate tray.
- Discard frying oil, then melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Sauté sliced onions for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle reserved seasoned flour into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Gradually whisk in chicken stock and half & half, creating a smooth, velvety gravy.
- Allow gravy to simmer gently for 3 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed. Carefully reintroduce chicken pieces, coating them thoroughly with the rich sauce.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover skillet, and simmer for 30-35 minutes. Periodically baste chicken to maintain moisture and enhance flavor profile.
- Once chicken is fully cooked and gravy has thickened, plate immediately. Serve alongside fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to complement the robust gravy.
Notes
- Trim chicken carefully to remove excess fat and ensure clean, uniform pieces for even cooking and better texture.
- Create a custom spice blend by adjusting seasoning ratios to suit personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Shake off excess flour before frying to prevent soggy breading and achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron for consistent heat distribution and superior flavor development.
- Monitor gravy consistency by whisking continuously and adding stock gradually to prevent lumps and achieve smooth texture.
- Allow chicken to rest in gravy for maximum flavor absorption and tender meat that falls off the bone.
- Swap dairy with alternative milk or broth for lactose-intolerant or vegan adaptations of the recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 515 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg