Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken is a rich, comforting, and flavorful dish featuring juicy pan-seared chicken smothered in a creamy onion and garlic gravy. This Southern-inspired classic is made in one pan and is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal – Easy cleanup and full of flavor.
- Creamy & savory – A buttery, garlicky gravy with tender chicken.
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 35 minutes!
- Versatile – Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or veggies.
- Comfort food classic – A homemade Southern favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt & black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- All-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Olive oil & butter
For the Gravy:
- Butter
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
- Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), and heavy cream.
Step 3: Smother the Chicken
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning gravy over the top.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered biscuits.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Extra Creamy – Stir in Parmesan cheese or cream cheese.
- Low-Carb Version – Serve over cauliflower mash or roasted veggies.
- Mushroom Gravy – Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
- Lighter Option – Use Greek yogurt or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months (without cream); thaw before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Just increase the cooking time by 10 minutes.
What can I serve with smothered chicken?
Try mashed potatoes, rice, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or dairy-free butter.
How do I thicken the gravy?
Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sear the chicken first, then cook on LOW for 4-5 hours.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for dredging.
Can I add bacon?
Absolutely! Crispy bacon crumbles add amazing flavor.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Use chicken thighs or simmer gently to keep it juicy.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the gravy will be thinner—use a bit of cornstarch to thicken.
How do I get extra golden-brown chicken?
Use a mix of butter and oil, and don’t move the chicken while searing.
Conclusion
This Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich garlic-onion gravy and juicy chicken, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy a classic Southern-inspired dish!
Print
Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, Comfort Food
Description
This Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken is tender, juicy, and covered in a rich, savory onion and garlic gravy. Made in one pan in under 40 minutes, it’s a comfort food classic perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless for a quicker version)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Gravy:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening the gravy)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds depth of flavor, optional but recommended)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dredge each piece lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown.
- Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, then remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Add heavy cream, salt, pepper, thyme, red pepper flakes, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 4: Smother the Chicken
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the gravy.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon gravy over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread for a complete meal!
Serving Suggestions
- With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy gravy is perfect for drizzling over fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Over Rice: Serve with white or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- With Biscuits: Classic Southern-style biscuits pair perfectly with smothered chicken.
Notes
- Boneless chicken? Reduce simmer time to 10-12 minutes.
- Creamy twist? Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness.
- More flavor? Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the gravy.
- Spicier version? Add hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes.