Description
This Smothered Chicken recipe is a comfort food classic that features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy, seasoned crust and smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon beef better than bouillon
- 1/3 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- 3 drops Kitchen Bouquet (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients with Care
Gather the flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, and black pepper onto a large plate, and mix them well with your fingers. Having everything ready before you start is a real time-saver, so measure out the gravy ingredients too. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
- Step 2: Slice and Tenderize the Chicken
Carefully slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Place them under a layer of saran wrap and give them a good pounding with a meat tenderizer until they’re about 3/4 inches thick. This not only makes them cook evenly but also ensures they stay juicy.
- Step 3: Coat Your Chicken
Pat the chicken dry to help the coating stick better, then lay them in the flour mixture, turning to coat each piece generously. Don’t be shy here; a good coating means a good crunch later on.
- Step 4: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Pour enough vegetable oil into a pan to reach halfway up the chicken and heat it over medium-high until it shimmers. Place two pieces of chicken in the hot oil, cooking them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Step 5: Clean Up the Pan for the Gravy
Drain the used oil, leaving behind the delicious brown bits. Give the pan a quick wipe with a paper towel to remove any burnt bits while keeping the tasty bits intact for the gravy.
- Step 6: Start the Gravy Base
Over medium heat, melt the butter in the pan, using a silicone spatula to loosen any leftover bits from the bottom. Gradually sprinkle in flour while whisking continuously to form a smooth paste.
- Step 7: Whisk in the Liquid Gold
Add the chicken broth and half and half slowly, whisking all the while to avoid lumps. This is where the magic really starts to happen, so keep that wrist moving!
- Step 8: Flavor the Gravy
Introduce the beef bouillon, soy sauce, and seasonings into the mix, bringing everything to a gentle boil before lowering to a simmer. If you fancy a darker hue to your gravy, add a few drops of kitchen bouquet.
- Step 9: Return the Chicken to the Pan
Nestle the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back into the pan with the gravy. This will marry the flavors beautifully and ensure every bite is as delicious as can be.
- Step 10: Simmer to Perfection
Partially cover the pan and let the chicken cook over low heat for another 10-15 minutes. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165 degrees, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and perfectly tender.
- Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Dig in and savor the deliciousness you’ve just created!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add mushrooms or onions to the gravy.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with gravy (about 200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Smothered Chicken, Chicken Recipe, Comfort Food, Gravy, Southern Cooking