Description

This Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory onion and garlic gravy. Made in one pan and ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner served over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.

Ingredients

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For the Chicken:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless skinless if preferred)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

For the Gravy:

1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth)
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier gravy)

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Instructions

Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken, skin side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add salt, black pepper, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and let simmer for 2 minutes.
Simmer the Chicken:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
- If using heavy cream, stir it in during the last 5 minutes.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Spoon gravy over the chicken and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.

Notes

For extra flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy.
For a thicker gravy: Simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
For boneless chicken: Reduce the simmering time to about 15-20 minutes.