Description
A family favorite, Smothered Chicken Thighs are juicy and tender, enveloped in a savory gravy full of rich flavors and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: In a heavy skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear skin-side down until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Flip and brown the other side.
- Sauté the aromatics: Remove the seared chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
- Create the gravy: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring until incorporated. Slowly pour in chicken broth, scraping up any fond stuck to the skillet. Allow it to simmer and thicken for several minutes.
- Combine and simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the gravy. Add herbs, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Finish & serve: Once chicken is done, taste the gravy and adjust with salt and pepper. Stir in a splash of cream for extra richness. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
For lighter version, consider using a mix of chicken breast and thighs while enhancing the veggie ratio. Perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Smothered Chicken, Southern Comfort Food, Chicken Recipes