Name: Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3-4 lbs organic chicken, skin removed (drumsticks & thigh pieces work great!); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tsp Lawry’s seasoning salt, divided; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; ¼ cup organic all-purpose flour; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 fresh thyme sprigs; 2 cups organic chicken stock or bone broth; 1 cup organic heavy cream

▼ Jump to Recipe·🖷 Print

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the soul-warming goodness of Southern Smothered Chicken. This classic recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, velvety gravy that’s bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving something hearty and satisfying, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Plus, with options for gluten-free ingredients, everyone can enjoy it!

Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have your kitchen smelling like pure Southern bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Southern Smothered Chicken is the epitome of comfort food. It’s savory, creamy, and packed with bold flavors that make every bite irresistible. The marinated chicken is seared to perfection before being enveloped in a luscious gravy made with caramelized onions, garlic, and fresh thyme. Serve it alongside your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies—and you’ve got a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. With just a few pantry staples and some fresh herbs, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Smothered Chicken:

3–4 lbs. organic chicken (Drumsticks and thigh pieces work wonderfully!)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoning salt, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup organic all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 fresh thyme sprigs
2 cups organic chicken stock or bone broth
1 cup organic heavy cream

Optional: Gluten-Free Substitutions

If you’re avoiding gluten, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative and ensure your chicken stock and heavy cream are certified gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. After cleaning and rinsing the drumsticks and thighs, place them in a large bowl. Add 1 teaspoon Lawry’s seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.

Transfer the seasoned chicken to a ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours—though overnight marination will yield the most flavorful results. When you’re ready to cook, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

2. Brown and Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your marinated chicken pieces. Sear them for about 3–4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful color.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Make the Sauce

Using the same skillet or pot, add 4 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt completely. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté them until they’re deeply caramelized—this should take about 8–10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Sprinkle in ¼ cup of flour, stirring until it dissolves into the onion-garlic mixture. Gradually pour in 2 cups of chicken stock or bone broth, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Next, add 1 cup of heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Stir in 2 fresh thyme sprigs and the remaining 1 teaspoon Lawry’s seasoning salt. Let everything simmer gently until smooth and thickened.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy so they’re fully coated. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. As the gravy deepens in color and thickens further, you’ll know it’s ready.

If your sauce needs additional thickening, whisk together 1–2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of water and stir it into the gravy.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the skillet from heat and serve your Southern Smothered Chicken hot with your favorite sides. Popular pairings include:

Fluffy basmati or brown rice
Creamy mashed potatoes
Steamed or sautéed veggies

Don’t forget to spoon generous amounts of gravy over everything—it’s what makes this dish truly special!

Tips & Tricks for Success

Storage

If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to restore its saucy goodness.

Gluten-Free Option

For those who need gluten-free alternatives, make sure all ingredients—especially flour, stock, and heavy cream—are certified gluten-free.

Make It Your Own

Feel free to customize this recipe! Add mushrooms for an earthy twist or swap thyme for rosemary if that’s more your style.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 804 kcal
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Protein: 76 g
Fat: 50 g
Saturated Fat: 25 g
Cholesterol: 335 mg
Sodium: 282 mg
Potassium: 925 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 3 g
Vitamin A: 1675 IU
Vitamin C: 12 mg
Calcium: 102 mg
Iron: 4 mg

Final Thoughts

Southern Smothered Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings people together around the table. The rich gravy paired with tender chicken creates a dish that feels like a warm hug from home. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself to some much-needed comfort food, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver smiles and empty plates.

So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a Southern classic that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Bon appétit!