Smothered Chicken Breasts is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich and creamy gravy. This Southern-inspired recipe features chicken breasts seasoned and pan-fried to golden perfection, then smothered in a savory gravy made with onions, garlic, and a touch of cream. The result is a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of your favorite vegetables to soak up all the delicious sauce. Easy to make yet full of comforting flavors, Smothered Chicken Breasts is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the leftover flour over the onions and stir to combine, cooking for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream and thyme, and continue to simmer until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Smother the Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Spoon some of the gravy over the chicken to smother them, then cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve the smothered chicken breasts with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Enjoy your rich and comforting Smothered Chicken Breasts, a perfect dish for any cozy meal!
