Soul Smothered Chicken: A Comforting Southern Classic

Soul Smothered Chicken is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings comfort to any meal. This Southern-inspired recipe features chicken thighs (or breasts) cooked in a rich, creamy gravy made with garlic, onion, and a blend of spices. Paired with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, it’s a dish that will fill your home with delicious aromas and warm hearts.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Season and Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Set the leftover flour aside for later.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Make the Gravy: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the reserved seasoned flour into the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Stir in the heavy cream and thyme.
5. Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the gravy over the chicken. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a comforting, Southern-inspired meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Breasts: You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. If using boneless chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to the gravy for more flavor and texture.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to make this dish dairy-free.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the smothered chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the gravy creamy. You can also microwave it, though the texture may not be as smooth.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe? Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used. The cooking time may need to be adjusted.
2. Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and gravy ahead of time, then reheat when ready to serve.
3. What sides go well with Soul Smothered Chicken? Mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits are classic sides that complement this dish.
4. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the smothered chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
5. Can I substitute heavy cream with something else? Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream, though the gravy won’t be as rich.
6. How can I make the gravy thicker? You can make the gravy thicker by adding more flour or cooking it longer to reduce the liquid.
7. Is this dish spicy? No, this dish is not spicy unless you add extra spices such as cayenne or hot sauce.
8. Can I use a different type of broth? Yes, vegetable or turkey broth can be used as an alternative to chicken broth.
9. Can I make this dish with skinless chicken? Skinless chicken can be used, but the skin helps to keep the chicken moist and adds flavor to the dish.
10. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients and cook the chicken in batches to ensure it cooks evenly.

Conclusion

Soul Smothered Chicken is a rich and comforting Southern dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With its crispy chicken coated in a creamy, flavorful gravy, it’s a meal that will surely become a household favorite. This recipe is versatile, easy to make, and delicious, making it ideal for both special occasions and weeknight meals. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this classic dish!

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