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Creamy Smothered Chicken

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Tried grandma's method for smothered chicken and finally nailed the gravy! Took a few attempts to get the seasoning just right, but now it’s perfect. Cooked until the chicken is so tender, it just falls apart. Grandma’s slow and steady simmer trick really works. Served it last Sunday and brought back so many memories. The velvety gravy over mashed potatoes is unbeatable. Now my kids can’t stop asking for it. Yep, it takes time, but it's so worth it.
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Updated on Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:12:45 GMT
Golden chicken thighs simmering in a creamy white sauce topped with herbs, served in a black skillet. Pin it
Golden chicken thighs simmering in a creamy white sauce topped with herbs, served in a black skillet. | tasteofmoms.com

Unbelievably Tender Southern Smothered Chicken

Get ready for the ultimate comfort dinner with this Southern smothered chicken. First, the chicken gets wonderfully crispy on the outside, then it slowly cooks in a rich, velvety gravy until it falls off the bone. This treasured dish has made its way through family kitchens for years, creating countless happy memories at dinner tables across the South.

What Makes This Southern Smothered Chicken So Good

The magic happens when that crunchy fried chicken slowly transforms while it bubbles away in that thick, homemade gravy. You can whip up this Southern smothered chicken on busy weeknights, but it's fancy enough for when guests come over too. Every mouthful brings authentic country cooking straight to your home.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Bone-In Chicken: Grab drumsticks or thighs for the juiciest results.
  • Flour: Regular all purpose works perfectly for coating and thickening.
  • Seasonings: My unique mix gives everything that wow factor.
  • Vegetable Oil: Try bacon drippings for even more flavor punch.
  • Onion: Brings natural sweetness to your gravy base.
  • Broth and Milk: The dynamic duo for silky smooth gravy.
  • Parsley: Adds a pop of color to the finished dish.

How To Make It

Prep Your Chicken
Roll your chicken pieces in that tasty seasoned flour mixture.
Get It Golden
Cook that chicken until it's beautifully browned everywhere.
Whip Up The Gravy
Soften those onions then stir in flour, milk and broth until it's nice and smooth.
Bring It All Together
Return chicken to the pan and let everything mingle and simmer.

Perfect Pairings

This Southern smothered chicken tastes amazing over a pile of creamy mashed potatoes or a bed of steaming rice. Grab some warm biscuits to mop up that yummy gravy. Add a simple green salad on the side and your meal's good to go.

A close-up of golden-brown chicken thighs simmering in a savory sauce, garnished with chopped parsley. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown chicken thighs simmering in a savory sauce, garnished with chopped parsley. | tasteofmoms.com

Storing Your Leftovers

Any extra chicken will stay good in your fridge for up to three days. Want to make it last longer? Just pull the meat from the bones, pack it with the gravy, and pop it in the freezer for those days when you need some quick comfort food.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is the chicken fried first?

The frying gives it a crispy edge, and the slow cooking makes it wonderfully tender in the gravy.

→ Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but bone-in thighs and legs keep their juiciness better during slow cooking.

→ What’s the purpose of keeping some flour aside?

The extra seasoned flour is used to thicken the gravy and add extra flavor.

→ Is it okay to make this ahead?

Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after reheating.

→ Why not fry all the chicken at once?

You need space in the pan for even browning. Overcrowding messes that up.

Creamy Smothered Chicken

An all-time favorite comfort meal with crispy fried chicken cooked until tender in a smooth and creamy onion-infused sauce.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Chicken

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Southern-style

Yield: 4 Servings (One pan full)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2/3 cup cooking oil.
02 2 pounds drumsticks or thighs.
03 1 cup milk.
04 1 teaspoon paprika.
05 1 tablespoon powdered onion.
06 1 large onion, chopped.
07 1 teaspoon chicken base.
08 1 teaspoon poultry spice.
09 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour.
10 1 teaspoon ground garlic.
11 1 teaspoon ground pepper.
12 Another teaspoon salt.
13 1 teaspoon ground salt.
14 Parsley leaves for looks.
15 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
16 2 cups cooking broth.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine flour with spices, hold back 3 spoonfuls.

Step 02

Dunk chicken into flour-crust blend.

Step 03

Heat oil and fry chicken until golden and crispy.

Step 04

Pull out chicken, leave oil in the pan.

Step 05

Toss onions into the pan and let them soften.

Step 06

Sprinkle the saved flour over and stir it in.

Step 07

Slowly add broth along with seasoning while whisking.

Step 08

Pour in milk and let it bubble.

Step 09

Place the chicken pieces back inside the pan.

Step 10

Pop a lid on and let it cook for 30 minutes.

Notes

  1. Don’t put too much in the pan at once.
  2. Works best with chicken legs or thighs.
  3. Option to make ahead for convenience.
  4. It tastes even better the next day!

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep pan with a lid.
  • Whisking tool.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (dairy).
  • Includes wheat (gluten).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 968
  • Total Fat: 71 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 43 g
  • Protein: 39 g