Delicious Smothered Chicken Recipe for Comforting Meals

The aroma of smothered chicken fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace that speaks of comfort and home. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich, creamy sauce, with hints of garlic and herbs dancing around your senses, making your mouth water in anticipation.

As I whisked the sauce together last Sunday, my kids burst into the kitchen, eyes wide as they asked if it was time for dinner yet. The way they devoured this dish brought back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and everyone was gathered around the table, savoring every bite. Smothered chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration on a plate.

I still remember the first time I made smothered chicken; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. Their enthusiasm made me feel like a culinary genius.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on your guest list or appetite.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves; they’ll impart a robust flavor that makes everything better.

• Onions: Sweet onions work wonders here; they caramelize beautifully and add depth to the sauce.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while maintaining rich flavor.

• Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens; it transforms your sauce into creamy goodness that clings to every piece of chicken.

For the Sauce:

• Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon adds zing and balances the creaminess beautifully.

• Fresh Herbs (Thyme or Parsley): Use fresh herbs whenever possible; they elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Paprika: Adds color and a subtle smokiness; I prefer smoked paprika for an extra kick.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare yourself for an adventure in cooking! Follow these steps to create your very own smothered chicken masterpiece.

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop your garlic and onions finely. This will save you time later and get those aromatic flavors ready to mingle.

Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add seasoned chicken breasts and sear them until golden brown on both sides—about 5-6 minutes each side—then set aside.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and toss in chopped onions. Cook until they’re translucent and fragrant—around 3 minutes—then add minced garlic. Stir until aromatic.

Create Your Sauce Base: Pour in chicken broth while scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes before adding heavy cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, and herbs.

Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle seared chicken back into the pan with sauce, ensuring it’s well coated. Simmer on low for about 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and saucy goodness envelops it.

Enjoy your culinary creation! Serve this irresistible smothered chicken over rice or mashed potatoes for an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then simmer it in the sauce for juicy perfection. This ensures each bite is infused with flavor while keeping the meat tender.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also play with spices like smoked paprika or add veggies like bell peppers for extra color and taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store your smothered chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to keep the sauce from separating and maintain moisture.

I remember making smothered chicken for my family on one chilly Sunday evening. The aroma filled the house, and everyone gathered at the table like moths to a flame, devouring every last bite.

FAQ

What can I serve with smothered chicken?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread complement smothered chicken perfectly, soaking up that delicious sauce.

Can I freeze smothered chicken?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken your sauce, create a slurry with cornstarch and water and stir it in while simmering.

Print

Smothered Chicken

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Smothered chicken is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and herbs. This easy yet impressive recipe is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes, and watch as everyone gathers around the table to savor every bite of this flavorful dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by chopping the garlic and onion.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on both sides (about 5-6 minutes per side). Remove from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté onions until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for about 5 minutes before adding heavy cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, and herbs.
5. Return seared chicken to the skillet, ensuring it is coated with sauce. Simmer on low for about 15 minutes until fully cooked.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece of smothered chicken (approximately 180g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu. Add bell peppers or other vegetables for extra flavor and color.