Tender Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe

Welcome to the heart and soul of Southern comfort food – Southern Smothered Chicken! This recipe is not just a dish; it’s a journey back to cherished memories and timeless flavors that have stood the test of time. Picture this: crispy, golden chicken simmering in a lusciously creamy gravy until it’s so tender it simply falls off the bone. It’s the kind of meal that warms your soul and brings the whole family together around the dinner table.

Crafted with a blend of seasonings that hits all the right notes, this Southern Smothered Chicken encapsulates the essence of down-home cooking with every bite. Passed down through generations, this recipe captures the essence of Southern hospitality and culinary tradition. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering with loved ones, this dish promises to deliver that authentic Southern flavor that soothes the spirit and satisfies the appetite.

So, grab your chicken, flour, and spices, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the rich heritage of Southern cuisine. From the first crispy bite to the last spoonful of creamy gravy, this Southern Smothered Chicken is a true labor of love that guarantees to create new memories while honoring the old. Get ready to savor a taste of tradition with this soul-warming classic that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Quick Benefits

• Tender and Juicy: The slow cooking process results in chicken that is fork-tender and falls off the bone.
• Flavorful Gravy: The rich and creamy gravy made with a special seasoning blend adds a burst of flavor to the dish.
• Family Favorite: This recipe has been passed down through generations, making it a beloved comfort food that brings back memories of Southern dinners.
• Versatile Leftovers: The dish reheats well, and leftovers can be frozen for a quick and delicious meal later on.

Why You’ll Love This Tender Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe Recipe

• If you love comfort food that brings back memories of family gatherings and Sunday dinners, this Southern smothered chicken is the perfect recipe to recreate that cozy feeling.
• The combination of crispy fried chicken simmered in a rich, creamy gravy is a match made in Southern culinary heaven, making every bite a delightful experience for your taste buds.
• Using bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks ensures that the meat stays juicy and tender throughout the slow cooking process, resulting in flavorful and succulent chicken.
• The blend of seasonings, including onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and poultry seasoning, creates a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
• The versatility of serving this dish over fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or with fresh biscuits allows you to customize your meal to suit your preferences and enjoy it in different ways.
• With leftovers that keep well in the fridge for three days and the option to freeze the chicken packed with gravy, you can have a comforting meal ready to enjoy whenever you need a taste of home.
• The cooking tips provided, such as browning the chicken first for a flavorful crust and avoiding overcrowding the pan for even cooking, ensure that you achieve the best results and a perfectly cooked dish every time.

Ingredients for Tender Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe

• 1 tablespoon onion powder.
• 2 pounds chicken thighs/drumsticks.
• 1 teaspoon pepper.
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon.
• 1 teaspoon paprika.
• 1 1/3 cups flour.
• 1 teaspoon salt.
• 2 cups chicken broth.
• 1 teaspoon pepper.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
• 1 teaspoon salt.
• Parsley for garnish.
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil.
• 1 cup milk.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
• 1 large onion, diced.
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning.

Pro Tips for Tender Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe

Pro tip 1: For extra flavor, consider using bacon grease instead of vegetable oil when frying the chicken. The smoky undertones will add a delicious touch to your gravy.

Pro tip 2: To ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. This allows for proper browning and even cooking. Cook the chicken in batches if needed.

Pro tip 3: Leftovers of this southern smothered chicken are a treat! To freeze, remove the meat from the bone and pack it with gravy for an easy and comforting meal later on. The flavors will only develop more over time.

How to Make Tender Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Combine flour and seasonings, setting aside 3 tablespoons.

Step 2: Step 02

Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture.

Step 3: Step 03

Cook chicken in oil until golden brown.

Step 4: Step 04

Take out the chicken and retain the oil in the pan.

Step 5: Step 05

Cook onions until they are golden brown.

Step 6: Step 06

Incorporate the reserved flour to create a roux.

Step 7: Step 07

Combine seasonings and broth in a bowl, whisk together.

Step 8: Step 08

Pour in the milk and bring to a boil.

Step 9: Step 09

Add the chicken back to the pan.

Step 10: Step 10

Cook covered for 30 minutes.

Storage Tips

After preparing and enjoying your delicious southern smothered chicken, store any leftovers properly to maintain their taste and texture. Leftover smothered chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure that the chicken is completely cooled before placing it in the container to prevent condensation. When reheating, you can warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, allowing the flavors to develop even more with time.

If you want to freeze some of the smothered chicken for later enjoyment, it is best to remove the meat from the bones and store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag with the gravy. Properly stored, frozen smothered chicken can last for up to three months. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain its quality. Whether reheating leftovers or frozen portions, remember to heat the chicken thoroughly to ensure it’s piping hot before serving. This way, you can continue to enjoy the comforting flavors of your southern smothered chicken whenever you crave a taste of home-cooked goodness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make ingredient substitutions for this Southern Smothered Chicken recipe, there are a few options available. For the bone-in chicken, you can use a mix of chicken thighs and drumsticks as they stay juicy and tender during the slow cooking process. If you prefer white meat, you could also use bone-in chicken breasts, but be mindful of adjusting the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.

For the flour coating and gravy, all-purpose flour works perfectly fine in this recipe. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute. Additionally, if you prefer a richer flavor, you can swap the vegetable oil with bacon grease for that extra savory touch in both the frying and gravy-making process.

When it comes to the seasonings, feel free to adjust them to suit your taste preferences. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for more depth of flavor. Remember, cooking is all about making it your own and adapting recipes to your liking while still keeping the essence of the dish intact.

Serving Suggestions

Serve up this Southern Smothered Chicken on a heaping mound of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. The tender chicken and rich gravy are a match made in comfort food heaven. Don’t forget to add some freshly baked biscuits on the side to sop up every last drop of that delicious gravy. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp, refreshing salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

To make the most of your leftovers, consider repurposing the chicken and gravy into a pot pie or serving it over buttery egg noodles for a quick and satisfying meal. The flavors only get better with time, so don’t hesitate to freeze some for a rainy day when you need a taste of home-cooked nostalgia in a hurry. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a cozy night in, this Southern classic is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

FAQs for Tender Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs/drumsticks for this recipe?

While you can use chicken breasts, thighs and drumsticks will stay juicier and more flavorful during the long cooking process of smothering. If you prefer chicken breasts, just be mindful of the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.

What is the purpose of reserving the seasoned flour in the recipe?

The reserved seasoned flour serves a dual purpose in this recipe. It helps thicken the gravy as the chicken cooks and also adds extra flavor to the gravy, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Does this dish reheat well for leftovers?

Yes, this southern smothered chicken reheats well, and the flavors actually develop even more overnight, making it a delicious leftover meal. Just store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Why is it important not to overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken?

Overcrowding the pan can prevent the chicken from browning properly and may lead to uneven cooking. To ensure that each piece of chicken gets crispy on the outside, it’s best to fry them in batches, giving them enough space in the pan.

Conclusion

As you savor the delicious flavors of this classic comfort food, let the aroma of Southern Smothered Chicken fill your kitchen and your heart with warmth. Whether you’re cooking this recipe for your family or friends, each bite is sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia and togetherness around the dinner table.

So take your time, enjoy the process of creating this timeless dish, and remember the love and tradition that goes into every step of making Southern Smothered Chicken. Let this recipe become a staple in your own family’s mealtime memories, just like it has been for generations past. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the comforting scent of Southern Smothered Chicken.