There’s something about a hearty, comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of meal you yearn for after a long day or on a chilly night. That’s why I’m excited to share my Southern Chicken Smothered in Gravy recipe, which is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and content.

This recipe is the epitome of comfort food, deeply rooted in Southern tradition and soulful flavor. The chicken is simmered in a rich, savory gravy that’s made from scratch with all the right seasonings – onion powder, garlic powder, celery seed, ground black pepper, and more. Trust me when I say this gravy is like no other – it’s crispy bacon bits add a satisfying crunch and its smooth texture coats every inch of the chicken.

Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight dinner idea or an addition to your holiday spread, this recipe ticks all the boxes. With simple ingredients like chicken thighs, onion, garlic, and flour, it can be easily made in a cast-iron skillet or baking dish.

So put on some music, roll up your sleeves and follow me as I take you through all the steps and tips to make truly restaurant-worthy southern smothered chicken gravy recipe. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Picture this: juicy fried chicken smothered in a flavorful, crispy bacon gravy – the ultimate comfort food. I’m talking about truly restaurant-quality smothered chicken that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. And the best part? This recipe is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

But why will you love this recipe? Let me count the ways. First of all, it’s real southern comfort food that will transport you to your grandmother’s kitchen. The combination of onion, garlic, and celery seed make for a perfectly seasoned smothered chicken that will melt in your mouth.

Then there’s the gravy – made from scratch with all-purpose flour, chicken broth, and pan drippings. It’s not too thin, not too thick – just the right consistency to soak up every last bit of flavor from the chicken.

And let’s not forget about the versatility of this dish. You can serve it with mashed potatoes or rice for a soulful Southern meal, or switch it up by adding cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.

But perhaps the best reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few steps and ingredients, you can make a delicious meal that your family and friends will be raving about for days.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try and taste the goodness of real southern smothered chicken. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Ingredient List

Juicy chicken thighs smothered in rich and creamy gravy

Here are the ingredients that you’ll need to make this soulful chicken smothered in gravy recipe:

For the Chicken:

1 lb bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and/or breasts)
1 tsp Garlic powder
1/2 tsp Onion powder
1/4 tsp Celery seed
1/4 tsp Ground black pepper
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

For the Gravy:

2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp butter or oil (to brown chicken)
½ onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken broth or turkey gravy
Salt and pepper to taste

Note: If you prefer crispy bacon in your gravy, add a few strips of crispy bacon to the gravy mixture. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.

These simple ingredients will make a truly restaurant-quality dish that everyone will love. Make sure you have these items on hand before starting this mouth-watering recipe!

The Recipe How-To

A southern classic dish that is sure to warm your soul

Now, it’s time to get cookin’! In this section, I’m going to show you how to make the Southern Chicken Smothered in Gravy Recipe step by step. Trust me, it’s a pretty straightforward recipe that even a novice cook can ace on the first try. Let’s do this!

Prep the Ingredients

First things first, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for this truly restaurant-quality dish. You’ll need:

Chicken (your choice of chicken pieces: thighs, breasts boneless or not, wings or legs)
Salt
Ground black pepper
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Celery seed
All-purpose flour
Garlic, minced
Onion, chopped
Chicken broth

Season and Flour the Chicken

Now that everything’s prepared, let’s season your chosen chicken pieces with salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and celery seed.

Next is to coat your chicken with a generous amount of all-purpose flour. This is important because it helps to seal in the juices and also thicken the gravy later on.

Brown the Chicken

Bring out your trusty cast iron skillet (or any skillet will do) and heat it up over medium-high heat. Add enough oil (vegetable oil or even bacon grease will do) to coat the bottom of your skillet.

Place your chicken pieces into the hot oil and let them sizzle for 5-6 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown all over.

Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate covered with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Prepare the Gravy

In the same skillet, add your chopped onion then minced garlic. Let them cook for about 2 minutes or until they become fragrant.

Sprinkle a tablespoon of all-purpose flour and whisk them together with your onion and garlic. Gradually pour in your chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

Return the fried chicken pieces into the skillet, cover it, and let it simmer over low heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the gravy has thickened.

Serve and Enjoy!

There you have it folks, my Southern Chicken Smothered in Gravy Recipe made juicy fried chicken that’s flavorful with a thick, crispy bacon, onion gravy.

You can serve this comfort food favorite with a side of mashed potatoes or even rice to soak up all that delicious gravy. Don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over your smothered chicken before serving for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

Comfort food at its finest - buttery, savory and delicious — Comfort food at its finest – buttery, savory and delicious

When it comes to cooking, it’s always fun to explore and try out different ingredients and methods. Here are some substitutions and variations you can make for this Southern Chicken Smothered in Gravy recipe:

– Protein: You can use different types of chicken for this recipe, such as boneless chicken breasts or legs. You can also try using turkey or even cajun seasoned chicken for a different flavor profile.

– Gravy: If you don’t have the time to make gravy from scratch, you can use store-bought gravy mix or even a can of chicken soup. Brown gravy also works well with this dish if you prefer a darker color and richer taste.

– Vegetables: While the classic combination of onions and celery is used in this recipe, you can experiment with other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. Adding these ingredients will give the dish an extra boost of flavor and texture.

– Spices: For an added kick, you can add some cajun seasoning or hot sauce to the recipe. This will give the dish a spicy twist that complements the savory taste of Southern-style cuisine.

– Side dishes: This smothered chicken goes well with mashed potatoes or rice. You can also prepare some mixed greens or green beans to add a contrasting color and nutritional value to your meal.

The possibilities with this recipe are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own. Whether you want to go for a classic soul food recipe or explore new flavor combinations, this Southern Chicken Smothered in Gravy Recipe is the perfect canvas for your culinary adventures.

Serving and Pairing

A mouthwatering meal that will leave you wanting more

When it comes to serving this southern chicken smothered in gravy recipe, you’ll want something nearby to sop up all that delicious, flavorful gravy. My personal favorite is mashed potatoes, as they perfectly complement the savory nature of the dish. The creamy and buttery texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the richness of the gravy, creating a comforting and satisfying Southern meal.

If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, consider serving this smothered chicken with a bed of fluffy white rice or even some buttery biscuits on the side. The mildness of both options allows the flavors of the chicken and gravy to shine through without overpowering them.

For an even heartier meal, try pairing this chicken smothered in gravy with some crispy bacon and sautéed onions for added depth and flavor. This soul food recipe is truly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your pairings.

No matter how you choose to serve it, one thing is certain: this recipe will have your taste buds thanking you for days to come. So grab a plate and enjoy your very own homemade comfort food feast!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Perfectly browned chicken thighs drenched in flavorful gravy

As a busy chef, I know how important it is to have meals that can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. That’s why I highly recommend making this smothered chicken recipe in advance! Once prepared, the dish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two weeks.

If you choose to store the dish in the fridge, I suggest reheating it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the chicken is heated through and the gravy is bubbling. Be sure to cover the dish with aluminum foil while reheating to prevent it from drying out.

For those who prefer to freeze their meals, I recommend storing the smothered chicken and gravy separately. This will allow for easier reheating later on. Simply thaw both components in the fridge overnight then reheat them together in a saucepan on medium heat.

One thing to keep in mind when reheating this dish is that the gravy may thicken as it cools. If this happens, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out before reheating.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for an easy dinner option that can be made ahead of time, this smothered chicken recipe is definitely one to keep in your arsenal. Don’t be afraid to make a big batch – you won’t regret having leftovers on hand!

Tips for Perfect Results

A crowd-pleasing recipe that everyone will love

To make the perfect Southern Chicken Smothered in Gravy, it’s essential to pay attention to every detail. Here are some tips that will help you make a truly restaurant-worthy dish.

1. Use a Cast Iron Skillet

For the best results, use a cast iron skillet to cook your chicken. Cast iron retains heat well and distributes it evenly throughout the pan, making sure your chicken cooks evenly.

2. Season Your Chicken Generously

To ensure your chicken is packed with flavor, season it generously with garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

3. Dredge Your Chicken in Flour

Before cooking your chicken, dredge it in all-purpose flour. This step helps create a crispy exterior and also thickens the gravy as it cooks.

4. Brown Your Chicken Before Simmering

To add depth of flavor to your gravy, brown your chicken before adding the broth. This caramelization adds a rich flavor profile that will make your gravy irresistible.

5. Don’t Overcrowd Your Pan

Make sure you don’t overcrowd your pan while cooking your chicken. Crowding can reduce the temperature of the pan and end up steaming rather than crisping the chicken pieces.

6. Monitor Your Gravy Consistency

As you cook your Southern Chicken Smothered in Gravy, keep an eye on the gravy consistency. If it’s too thick or too runny, adjust accordingly by adding more broth or flour and stir continuously to avoid lumps.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a succulent and juicy smothered chicken with flavorful gravy that will satisfy all comfort food cravings down South!

FAQ

As an experienced chef, I understand that sometimes even the most detailed recipe can leave you with questions. Fear not! In this section, I will address some frequently asked questions about this southern-style chicken smothered in gravy recipe. So let’s dive into those inquiries and ensure your meal turns out perfectly every time.

What is smothered chicken made of?

Looking for a delicious meal idea that is worthy of a restaurant? Look no further than this smothered chicken recipe! Featuring succulent fried chicken breasts infused with rich flavor, delicious bacon bits, and served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, warm biscuits, and roasted green beans, this meal is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills today?

Do you put chicken juices in gravy?

Creating a homemade chicken gravy is a walk in the park. All you need to do is dust the juices left in the roasting tin with some flour and pour in some chicken stock. You can also mix in any extra chicken juices that were produced while the chicken was resting. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to boil.

What goes with smothered chicken?

For this recipe article, I will be sharing how to make a delicious southern-style meal made up of sautéed green beans, steamed rice, roasted sweet potatoes, mixed vegetable noodle, garlic bread, mashed potatoes with herbs, and Greek pasta salad. These dishes come together to create a satisfying and flavorful meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

How to make turkey gravy taste better?

Being a chef who specializes in southern cuisine, I have come across numerous ways to elevate the humble turkey gravy. One way of making this classic dish is by adding the pan drippings from a roasted bird, which adds both flavor and texture to the gravy. Along with this, some aromatic ingredients can be added to further enhance the flavor of the gravy.

To give the gravy a nutty and rich flavor, I like to brown up some butter and then pour in a generous amount of wine. This not only adds richness to the gravy but also helps to balance the flavors out.

Another trick that I like to use is roasting a head of garlic and adding it to the gravy. This gives it a wonderfully earthy and mellow flavor, which pairs really well with the turkey.

To add an extra depth of flavor to the gravy, I often cheat a bit by using aromatics such as onion and celery. These ingredients can be used to give the gravy an extra boost of flavor without having to spend too much time on it.

To give the gravy a meaty flavor, I like to add a bit of umami to it. This can be done by using ingredients such as soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, which help to bring out the savory flavors in the gravy.

Finally, fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage, can be used to give the gravy a fresh and vibrant flavor. These ingredients add both color and flavor to the gravy and help to make it a more appealing dish. With these tips and tricks, anyone can make a delicious and flavorful turkey gravy that is sure to impress.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, if you are looking for a classic Southern dish that will satisfy and delight your taste buds, look no further than this Southern Chicken Smothered in Gravy recipe. With its juicy, flavorful chicken covered in a rich and creamy gravy made from scratch, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. You can serve this dish with mashed potatoes, rice or cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give this recipe a try today! And once you do, you’ll see why I consider it to be one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes. You won’t believe how easy it is to make truly restaurant-worthy chicken smothered with crispy bacon and onion gravy from scratch at home. So gather your ingredients, grab your cast iron skillet, and get ready to enjoy the taste of real Southern smothered chicken gravy. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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