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Southern Smothered Chicken

Featured in Easy Chicken Recipes.

Got my grandmas recipe for smothered chicken and finally nailed that gravy! Took a few tries to get the seasoning just right but now its amazing. The chicken gets so tender it falls off the bone. Let it simmer low and slow like she taught me. Made it for Sunday dinner and everyone said it tasted just like hers. The gravy is perfect over mashed potatoes too. Comfort food that brings back memories. Now my kids ask for grandmas chicken all the time. Takes time but worth every minute.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:55:01 GMT
A close-up of seared chicken thighs garnished with parsley, simmering in a creamy sauce in a black skillet. Pin it
A close-up of seared chicken thighs garnished with parsley, simmering in a creamy sauce in a black skillet. | lastminrecipes.com

The Most Amazing Southern Smothered Chicken

This southern smothered chicken brings pure comfort to your table. The chicken gets perfectly crispy then simmers in the most incredible creamy gravy until it's fork tender. It's the kind of recipe that's been passed down through generations making memories around Southern dinner tables.

Why This Southern Smothered Chicken Works

There's something magical about how the crispy fried chicken transforms as it cooks in that rich roux based gravy. This southern smothered chicken is simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve to company. Every bite brings that authentic down home Southern flavor right to your kitchen.

What You'll Need

  • Bone-In Chicken: Use thighs or drumsticks they stay extra juicy.
  • Flour: All purpose makes the perfect coating and gravy.
  • Seasonings: My special blend makes everything taste amazing.
  • Vegetable Oil: Or use bacon grease for extra flavor.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness to your gravy.
  • Broth and Milk: Creates that perfect creamy gravy.
  • Parsley: Fresh herbs make everything prettier.

Let's Get Cooking

Start With Your Coating
Get your chicken all nice and coated in that seasoned flour.
Fry It Up
Get that chicken golden brown on all sides.
Make Your Gravy
Cook those onions then whisk in flour broth and milk until smooth.
Let It Simmer
Put your chicken back in let everything get happy together.

What to Serve It With

This southern smothered chicken loves sitting on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or rice. Don't forget some fresh biscuits to soak up all that amazing gravy. A crisp salad on the side makes everything complete.

A close-up of golden-brown chicken thighs simmering in a savory sauce, garnished with chopped parsley. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown chicken thighs simmering in a savory sauce, garnished with chopped parsley. | lastminrecipes.com

Save Some For Later

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for three days. Want to freeze some? Take the meat off the bone pack it with gravy and it'll be ready whenever you need some comfort food.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why cook the chicken twice?

First frying creates a flavorful crust, while slow cooking in gravy makes it tender.

→ Can I use different chicken pieces?

Yes, thighs and drumsticks work best as they stay moist during long cooking.

→ Why reserve some flour mixture?

The reserved seasoned flour helps thicken and flavor the gravy.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it reheats well and flavors develop even more overnight.

→ Why cook in batches?

Overcrowding the pan prevents proper browning and even cooking.

Southern Smothered Chicken

A classic Southern comfort dish of seasoned fried chicken slowly simmered in creamy onion gravy until tender and fall-apart perfect.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Chicken

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Southern American

Yield: 4 Servings (1 pan)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 pounds chicken thighs/drumsticks.
02 1 1/3 cups flour.
03 1 tablespoon onion powder.
04 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
05 1 teaspoon salt.
06 1 teaspoon pepper.
07 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning.
08 1 teaspoon paprika.
09 2/3 cup vegetable oil.
10 1 large onion, diced.
11 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon.
12 1 teaspoon salt.
13 1 teaspoon pepper.
14 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
15 2 cups chicken broth.
16 1 cup milk.
17 Parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix flour and seasonings, reserve 3 tablespoons.

Step 02

Coat chicken pieces in flour mixture.

Step 03

Fry chicken in oil until brown.

Step 04

Remove chicken, keep oil.

Step 05

Fry onions until golden.

Step 06

Add reserved flour to make roux.

Step 07

Add seasonings and broth, whisk.

Step 08

Add milk, bring to boil.

Step 09

Return chicken to pan.

Step 10

Cover and cook 30 minutes.

Notes

  1. Don't overcrowd the pan.
  2. Best with dark meat pieces.
  3. Can make ahead.
  4. Gets more flavorful overnight.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large deep pan with lid.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (milk).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 968
  • Total Fat: 71 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 43 g
  • Protein: 39 g