Soulful Stovetop Smothered Chicken

Soulful Stovetop Smothered Chicken Comfort Food Done Easy

By Emily TorresSeptember 19, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever have one of those days? You know, the kind where only serious comfort food will do? Honestly, that’s how I came up with this STOVETOP SMOTHERED CHICKEN recipe.

It’s total soul food and guaranteed to make you feel better!

What's the Deal with Stovetop Smothered Chicken?

Southern Style Smothered Chicken is all about tender chicken in a creamy, flavorful gravy. Its origins are in the American South.

This Chicken and Gravy Comfort Food is simple, satisfying, and a hug in a bowl. It's Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinner material!

This recipe is dead easy, clocking in at about 55 minutes total. It makes four generous servings. Perfect for a family dinner. Or, let’s be honest, awesome leftovers for lunch.

Why This Stovetop Chicken is a Winner

One of the best parts? It's packed with protein! It’s also the perfect dish when you just want something homey and delicious.

This recipe is special because it's quick, easy, and the gravy is seriously addictive! The Saute Chicken Breast in this recipe gets perfectly browned, sealing in all the juicy goodness and setting the stage for a truly unforgettable meal.

Ready to get started?

What You'll Need

Alright, let’s dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing STOVETOP SMOTHERED CHICKEN . Honestly, it’s easier than you think, and the payoff is huge.

This Southern Style Smothered Chicken is true Chicken and Gravy Comfort Food .

Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown

Trust me, you probably have most of this stuff already.

Main Ingredients - The Stars of the Show

Let's talk chicken first. You'll want 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs which is around 680g / 1.5 lbs . I love using thighs because they stay juicy! The quality of your chicken really matters.

Look for thighs that are plump and pink, not pale or slimy.

Now for the creamy chicken gravy recipe :

1 medium yellow onion , thinly sliced (around 150g )
2 cloves garlic , minced (around 6g )
2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) chicken broth
1/2 cup (120 ml) milk or half and-half - I personally like half and-half for that extra richness.
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter

Don't forget the essentials to saute chicken breast : 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil or vegetable oil. We need that to sear stovetop chicken breast .

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs!

Salt and pepper are your foundation. Start with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper for the chicken.

The magic really happens with 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) dried thyme and 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) paprika in the gravy.

These two spices give that classic Stovetop Chicken Breast recipe a soul warming flavor. You can sub dried Italian seasoning if you’re in a pinch.

Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this one pan smothered chicken . All you need is:

A large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid. This is where all the chicken simmered in gravy goodness happens.
Tongs. Essential for flipping the chicken without making a mess.
Measuring cups and spoons.
A good cutting board and chef’s knife.

If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large, deep skillet will do just fine. Seriously, this Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinner is all about keeping it simple and delicious.

This Smothered Chicken Thighs Recipe is going to be a family favorite. Think of it as the easiest of all Stovetop Chicken Recipes Easy .

Alright, let's get crack-a-lackin'! As a chef who's seen it all, from Michelin starred kitchens to bewildered home cooks wrestling with a whisk, I know what makes a recipe sing.

We're going to nail this STOVETOP SMOTHERED CHICKEN recipe. Think comfort food meets easy weeknight dinner , just like your nan used to make (only maybe even tastier!).

We're aiming for a recipe so good, folks will be asking for seconds and the recipe! This is more than just Stovetop Chicken Breast , it's an experience!

Prep Like a Pro for the Best Stovetop Smothered Chicken

Soulful Stovetop Smothered Chicken presentation

Honestly, the secret to amazing food is prepping. It's not just chopping, it's a mindset.

Essential Mise en Place: Grab your 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. That's about 680g or 1.5 lbs. Slice one medium yellow onion into thin pieces.

Mince two cloves of garlic, not too chunky, alright? Measure out your spices.

Time Saving Organization: Get everything ready before you even turn on the stove. Salt, pepper, flour, chicken broth, milk, thyme, paprika, and butter should be accessible.

Having everything ready makes the whole process a breeze. This easy weeknight chicken dinner will be even easier.

Smothered Chicken: The step-by-step

This is the heart of our STOVETOP SMOTHERED CHICKEN . Don’t worry; it’s dead easy!

Season those thighs! Pat them dry and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Drying the chicken is key for a good sear.
Sear it up! Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in your skillet over medium high heat. Sear the chicken for 3- 4 minutes per side. Get that golden brown colour! Remove and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics: Add that sliced onion to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes . Then, toss in the minced garlic for another minute.
Gravy time! Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onions and garlic. Cook for 1 minute , stirring. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Scrape those browned bits flavour town, baby!
Smother time: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the gravy. Cover and simmer for 15- 20 minutes . Internal temperature should hit 165° F ( 74° C) . Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, mmm!.

Pro Tips for Phenomenal Stovetop Smothered Chicken

Let’s level up this chicken and gravy comfort food .

Don't overcrowd the pan! Sear the chicken in batches if necessary. Saute Chicken Breast in batches if you are using it.
Gravy too thin? Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir into the gravy and simmer until thickened. This creamy chicken gravy recipe is versatile!
Common mistake? Overcooking the chicken! Keep an eye on that temperature. It's better to err on the side of slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the gravy. We are going for Stovetop Chicken Recipes Easy .

Alright, this Stovetop Smothered Chicken is gonna be a winner! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things.

I’ve made this Easy Weeknight Chicken Dinner a ton of times, and I've got some tips to share.

Recipe Notes: Making Your Southern Style Smothered Chicken Amazing

Serving It Up Right

Presentation matters, right? For plating this Chicken and Gravy Comfort Food , think simple elegance. A bed of creamy mashed potatoes with the Stovetop Chicken Breast nestled on top looks beautiful.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color.

Want some sides? Steamed green beans or a simple side salad cuts through the richness. And a cold glass of sweet tea is always a good choice.

Some folks swear by serving it with biscuits you know, to soak up all that Creamy Chicken Gravy Recipe .

Saving For Later

Leftover STOVETOP SMOTHERED CHICKEN is almost as good as the first time. Honestly! Pop it in an airtight container and it will last in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Freezing works too. Let it cool completely first. Then, freeze in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months . When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if the gravy gets too thick. You can also reheat Chicken Simmered in Gravy in the microwave.

Remixing the Recipe

Feeling adventurous? You can easily tweak this recipe. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. It still comes out creamy and delicious.

Swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Just remember that Saute Chicken Breast will cook faster.

So, keep an eye on it and don’t overcook! You can also change the ingredients based on the Season.

Nutrition Know How

This One Pan Smothered Chicken is yummy. It packs a good punch of protein from the chicken. The gravy adds some fat, but you can use lower fat milk to lighten it up.

Each serving has around 350-400 calories. This all depends on the specific ingredients and your portion sizes. The key health benefit? Pure, unadulterated comfort!

Honestly, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. So get in the kitchen and start cooking. You got this!

Delicious Creamy Chicken Gravy Recipe Easy Comfort Meal

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this STOVETOP SMOTHERED CHICKEN recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and stay more moist, chicken breasts work just as well. Be mindful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily. Reduce the simmering time by about 5-10 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

My gravy isn't thickening up. What am I doing wrong with my STOVETOP SMOTHERED CHICKEN?

Don't panic, it happens! Ensure you're using the correct amount of flour and cooking it with the onions and garlic before adding the chicken broth. This creates a roux, which is the foundation of a good gravy.

If it's still too thin, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the gravy while it simmers for a couple more minutes. Think of it as the gravy's secret weapon!

How long can I store leftover Stovetop Smothered Chicken, and how do I reheat it?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook the chicken, or it can dry out.

Think of it like giving it a spa treatment, not a boot camp!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! In fact, the flavors often meld together and improve when made a day in advance. Prepare the recipe as instructed, let it cool slightly, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table pronto.

What variations can I make to the STOVETOP SMOTHERED CHICKEN recipe?

There are tons of possibilities! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy. Sautéing mushrooms with the onions and garlic adds an earthy depth. You can even swap out the dairy milk for coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk if you're dairy-free.

Let your imagination run wild, and have fun creating your own signature version!

Soulful Stovetop Smothered Chicken

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Instructions:

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in the skillet over medium high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in the milk (or half and-half), thyme, and paprika. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Stir in the butter until melted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley (if using) and serve hot.