Description
This Smothered Chicken recipe features tender, bone-in chicken thighs seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, seared to golden perfection, and then baked in a creamy, savory gravy made with onions, garlic, and chicken broth. Perfect for comforting family dinners, it is served best over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Rub
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon mild chili powder
Chicken and Coating
- 6 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Liquids
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a wire rack on a baking sheet to prepare for the chicken.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and mild chili powder to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them generously with three-quarters of the spice rub and place them on the prepared wire rack.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, remaining spice rub, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken thigh in this mixture, shaking off any excess flour, then place back on the wire rack.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs until they are browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the butter and chopped onion to the same skillet. Cook until the onions are softened. Then add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant.
- Create the Gravy: Sprinkle the reserved flour mixture over the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer, then whisk in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, spoon some gravy over the top, cover the skillet, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until the chicken is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve the smothered chicken over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs, but baking time may be reduced—check for doneness accordingly.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of mild chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or cook the gravy a bit longer before adding the cream.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt content.
- Ensure the skillet is oven-safe to avoid transferring the chicken and sauce after searing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
