SOUTHERN SMOTHERED CHICKEN
Fall-off-the-bone tender chicken simmered in rich, savory gravy loaded with caramelized onions. Classic Southern soul food comfort that's perfect over rice or mashed potatoes!
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs chicken pieces thighs, drumsticks, or mix, bone-in, skin-on
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon grease
- 3 large yellow onions sliced thin
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter for extra richness
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish optional
- Hot cooked rice mashed potatoes, or biscuits for serving
Instructions
- Season chicken with spice mixture. Let sit 15-20 min.
- Brown chicken in oil, 5-7 min per side. Set aside.
- Cook onions 12-15 min until caramelized. Add garlic 1 min.
- Sprinkle flour over onions. Cook 2-3 min, stirring.
- Add broth slowly, whisking constantly. Add bay leaf & Worcestershire.
- Return chicken to pan. Simmer covered 35-45 min until tender (165°F).
- Stir in butter. Serve over rice with plenty of gravy!
Notes
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are best. Don't use boneless skinless!
- Storage: Refrigerate 3-4 days, freeze 3 months. Tastes better next day!
- Make Ahead: Perfect for meal prep or entertaining!
- Serve: Over rice, mashed potatoes, grits, or with biscuits.