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Author:
Kimber Matherne
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Smothered Chicken Breasts with Gravy is a cozy dish that brings comfort to any table! Juicy pan-friend chicken is nestled in a pan of creamy, savory gravy for a kid-friendly weeknight dinner done in under 30 minutes.
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While there are times when you feel like trying new ingredients and flavors, there are other times when you just want to sit down to something cozy and familiar. This recipe for smothered chicken breasts in gravy is exactly that kind of meal.
It’s also the kind of meal you’ll love adding to your menu for busy weeknights since it takes only 25 minutes—and that includes prep and cooking.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Kid-friendly – No dinnertime battles here! Picky eaters will appreciate the simple, unfussy flavors in this Southern smothered chicken breast recipe.
- Versatile – You can serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles for a more filling meal, or pair it with a salad to keep things light.
- Comfort food goodness – With juicy, pan-fried chicken and a creamy home-style gravy, this is the kind of comfort food dinner that gives you an instant feeling of nostalgia.
- One-pan recipe – This smothered chicken skillet makes dinnertime a breeze! No juggling multiple pans on the stovetop because it all comes together in a single skillet.
What is Smothered Chicken?
Smothered chicken is a Southern dish that consists of chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a creamy gravy. The chicken is typically dredged in seasoned flour and then pan-fried, giving it a crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The gravy is made from a roux (a mixture of fat and flour), broth or stock, and seasonings such as onions, garlic, and herbs.
Smothered chicken is often served over rice, grits, or mashed potatoes and paired with classic soul food sides like collard greens, buttermilk biscuits, or cornbread.
Recipe Notes
This Southern smothered chicken recipe is as simple as promised! Just a single skillet for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make smothered chicken to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
For the chicken:
- Flour – Flour helps the chicken get a nice sear in the pan, and it will also help thicken the gravy when you add the chicken back to the skillet at the end of the recipe.
- Seasonings – Salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Chicken breast – Cut it into thin cutlets.
- Olive oil
For the gravy:
- Butter – You can use salted or unsalted; if you use salted, you may need to dial back the added salt in the recipe.
- Onion – A yellow onion is perfect here.
- Garlic
- Fresh thyme – Fresh thyme adds a more vibrant flavor than dried.
- Salt
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream – For a rich, creamy gravy.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Smothered Chicken Thighs – Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast for a richer dish. You’ll need to add a few extra minutes of cooking time.
- Smothered Chicken with Mushrooms – Add sliced mushrooms to the onion and garlic mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Cajun Smothered Chicken – Swap Cajun seasoning for the paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a spicier version of this dish.
- Smothered Chicken Tenderloins – Use chicken tenderloins instead of cutlets for a quicker cooking time.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make this smothered chicken recipe.
Mix together the flour and seasonings in a shallow bowl.
Dredge the chicken cutlets in the flour mixture.
Pan-fry the chicken until the bottom is golden brown.
Flip the chicken and fry the other side. Make the gravy, then add the chicken back to the pan.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure the cutlets are thin – Thin cutlets cook faster, which keeps them tender and juicy. Thicker chicken requires a longer time in the skillet, which means it’s more likely to become tough and rubbery.
- Heat the oil until it’s shimmering – You want the oil very hot before adding the chicken so that it can get a nice sear and crispy crust.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – The key to tender (not rubbery!) chicken breast is to not overcook it. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s cooked through.
- Be patient – Don’t move the chicken until it has had time to cook on the first side. Flipping the chicken too soon or even adjusting its position can prevent it from forming a nice crust.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Buy pre-diced onion – If you’re short on time, buy pre-diced onion to save a few minutes on prep.
- Use chicken tenders – Instead of cutting chicken breast into thin cutlets, use chicken tenders for an even quicker cooking time.
- Skip the dredging process – While dredging the chicken adds extra flavor and texture, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Simply season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking in the skillet.
What to Serve with Smothered Chicken Breast
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of Southern food, it will pair well with many of your favorite comfort food side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
- Make Ahead Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese (Grandma’s Recipe)
- Steakhouse Style House Salad
Southern Smothered Chicken Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Smothered Chicken Sandwich – Slice leftover chicken and place it on a warm bun or buttermilk biscuit.
- Smothered Chicken and Waffles – Serve the leftover chicken over waffles for a different spin on the classic chicken and waffles recipe.
- Loaded Smothered Chicken Bowls – Add leftovers to a bowl of mashed potatoes or grits with corn or collard greens for a homemade version of a KFC bowl.
Recipe FAQ’s
What is the secret to moist chicken breast?
The secret to moist chicken breast is to avoid overcooking it. Chicken only needs to be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F; if it’s cooked more than that, it has a tendency to get rubbery and tough.
Can I make smothered chicken gluten-free?
This recipe contains flour for dredging the chicken, but you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make this smothered chicken breast gluten-free.
Can I freeze smothered chicken?
Yes, you can freeze smothered chicken, but it’s not ideal—it won’t have that nice crispy exterior after freezing, thawing, and reheating. If you still want to freeze it, transfer your leftovers to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
What is the best way to reheat smothered chicken?
The best way to reheat smothered chicken is in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy chicken recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- BBQ Chicken Bake
- Ginger Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry
Smothered Chicken
By: Kimber Matherne
5 from 5 votes
Smothered Chicken Breasts with Gravy is a Southern-style comfort food recipe the whole family will love. Done in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 25 minutes mins
8 Servings
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Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into thin cutlets (8 pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion diced
- 2 teaspoon garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
For the chicken:
Combine the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a shallow bowl and mix to combine.
Dredge the chicken breast cutlets in the flour mixture to coat on both sides. Set the remainder of the flour mixture to the side to use when making the gravy.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once hot place 3-4 chicken cutlets in the skillet in a single layer. Allow to cook 2-3 minutes without moving or turning, then flip the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on the other side.
Once done, remove and set aside, then repeat with remaining chicken.
The chicken will not be fully cooked at this point, and will finish cooking in the gravy at the end of the recipe.
For the gravy:
Once the chicken is finished cooking, add the butter, onion, garlic, thyme and salt to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium, and cook, stirring regularly, for 2-3 minutes or until the onion starts to turn translucent and is fragrant.
Sprinkle the remaining flour mixture from dredging the chicken over the onions. Stir and cook for about 60-90 seconds.
Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the pan and stir or whisk the mixture until smooth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any bits from the bottom.
Bring the mixture to a simmer then nestle the chicken in the cream sauce and simmer for 4-6 minutes or until the chicken has cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
Garnish with additional thyme and serve immediately.
Last step!Share a picture on Instagram and tag me at @easyfamilyrecipes!
Recipe Notes
Substitutions:Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast for a richer dish. You’ll need to add a few extra minutes of cooking time.
How to Store:To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat:The best way to reheat smothered chicken is in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 297kcal (15%), Carbohydrates: 6g (2%), Protein: 26g (52%), Fat: 18g (28%), Saturated Fat: 10g (63%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 115mg (38%), Sodium: 817mg (36%), Potassium: 480mg (14%), Fiber: 0.3g (1%), Sugar: 1g (1%), Vitamin A: 696IU (14%), Vitamin C: 2mg (2%), Calcium: 34mg (3%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
