Smothered Chicken and Gravy

Name: Smothered Chicken and Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 lbs. chicken cutlets or pounded chicken breasts; 4 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1/2 stick butter (4 tbsp); 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups low sodium chicken stock; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 stalk celery, diced; 1/3 cup sour cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Buttery mashed potatoes or rice for serving; Optional poultry seasoning mix: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion granules; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/4 tsp dried sage

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Looking for a cozy, flavorful meal that’s both easy to make and family-approved? This smothered chicken and gravy recipe is your answer. It’s a Southern staple packed with juicy chicken, rich homemade gravy, and aromatics that fill your home with warmth. Whether you prepare it on the stove or let it simmer in a slow cooker, this dish offers comfort food perfection in just 30 minutes.

Why This Smothered Chicken and Gravy Recipe Stands Out

This smothered chicken and gravy recipe is a true comfort classic. It’s fast, affordable, and incredibly flavorful. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this dish is both satisfying and versatile. It comes together in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes and maximum taste. The blend of poultry seasoning, buttery pan sauce, and tender chicken creates a hearty, homemade meal that feels like a warm hug.

What You’ll Need for the Best Flavor

• Chicken Breasts or Cutlets: Provides the protein base and becomes incredibly tender when simmered in gravy
• Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and adds healthy fats
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates the base for the roux

• Onion: Gives sweetness and depth to the gravy
• Garlic: Builds robust, savory flavor
• Celery: Adds aromatic freshness and classic Southern depth

• Chicken Stock: Essential for the base of a flavorful, well-rounded gravy
• Flour: Used to create a roux for thickening the gravy
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang for a balanced finish

• Poultry Seasoning: A homemade blend with paprika, thyme, garlic, and sage that infuses every bite with flavor
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and enhances the taste
• Mashed Potatoes or Rice: Ideal bases for soaking up the luscious gravy

Optional Homemade Poultry Seasoning

• Smoked Paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smokiness
• Garlic Powder: Enhances savory depth
• Onion Granules: For additional umami and balance
• Thyme, Basil, Sage: Aromatic herbs that round out the seasoning
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a touch for a subtle kick

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

If you need to adjust based on what’s in your pantry or dietary preferences, try these alternatives:

• Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more forgiving than breasts
• Vegetable Stock: Use instead of chicken stock for a slightly lighter flavor
• Greek Yogurt: A healthier alternative to sour cream without sacrificing creaminess
• Ghee or Vegan Butter: Great for dairy-free options
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Works well in the roux for a gluten-free version
• Cauliflower Mash or Quinoa: Swap out mashed potatoes or rice for low-carb alternatives

How to Make Smothered Chicken and Gravy

Season the Chicken: Rub chicken breasts or cutlets with olive oil and poultry seasoning until well coated. Let them rest while prepping vegetables.
Sear the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook chicken until golden on one side. Flip once, add butter, and cook until done (internal temp of 165°F). Set aside under foil.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add diced onion and celery; cook until slightly soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Build the Roux: Sprinkle in flour and stir for 1–2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Add more poultry seasoning to deepen the flavor.
Make the Gravy: Slowly pour in chicken stock while scraping the brown bits from the pan. Simmer gently while shredding the cooked chicken.
Simmer and Finish: Add shredded chicken back to the pan. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes to thicken the gravy.

Add Creaminess: Stir in sour cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the smothered chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes or rice for the ultimate comfort dish.

Tips for Perfect Smothered Chicken and Gravy

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear chicken in batches for even browning.
• Scrape the Pan: Those browned bits at the bottom = instant flavor boost.
• Low-Sodium Stock: Helps control salt levels in your dish.
• Let It Rest: Allow chicken to rest under foil before shredding—it keeps it juicy.
• Gravy Too Thin? Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
• Too Thick? Add a splash of stock to loosen it up.

What to Serve with Smothered Chicken and Gravy

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with:

• Buttery Mashed Potatoes: Classic and indulgent
• Steamed Rice: A quicker, lighter alternative
• Cheesy Cauliflower Mash: A keto-friendly twist
• Honey-Glazed Carrots or Green Beans: Brighten up the plate with vegetables
• Buttermilk Biscuits: Perfect for scooping up extra gravy

Creative Variations

• Spicy Version: Add cayenne or hot sauce for heat
• Southern-Style: Serve with collard greens and cornbread
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: Combine seasoned chicken, aromatics, and premade roux in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4. Stir in sour cream at the end.
• Creamy Herb Gravy: Add fresh thyme or rosemary at the end for a fragrant lift

Smothered Chicken and Gravy for Every Season

This smothered chicken and gravy recipe isn’t just a winter favorite — it’s a year-round comfort food hero. In the colder months, it’s soul-warming. In summer, pair it with light vegetables or a fresh salad. Its flexibility and heartiness make it a dish that brings people together, no matter the occasion.

This dish embodies the essence of Southern home cooking with its rich flavor, minimal prep, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, smothered chicken and gravy is sure to satisfy every time.

Wrapping It All Up: Why You’ll Love Making Smothered Chicken and Gravy Again and Again

Smothered chicken and gravy is more than just a comfort meal — it’s a reliable go-to dish that brings warmth, satisfaction, and a whole lot of flavor to your table. With its quick prep time, pantry-friendly ingredients, and rich homemade gravy, this recipe offers a perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a cozy dinner, or looking to impress guests with a soulful Southern classic, this dish delivers every time.

From stove to slow cooker, from weeknight meal to weekend indulgence, smothered chicken and gravy will quickly become one of your most treasured recipes. Once you’ve made it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.

FAQs About Smothered Chicken and Gravy

Can I make smothered chicken and gravy ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock to loosen the gravy if needed.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use for this recipe?

Chicken cutlets or pounded chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and evenly. You can also use boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier texture and richer flavor — especially in the slow cooker.

Is it possible to freeze smothered chicken and gravy?

Absolutely. Let the dish cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring in extra stock or sour cream to revive the sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based butter and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and ensure your stock is gluten-free.

More Relevant Recipes

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast: A simple yet flavorful dish, this recipe features juicy chicken breasts baked with garlic-infused butter. It’s a perfect alternative to smothered chicken and gravy, delivering similar comforting flavors in a lighter preparation.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta: This dish offers the same creamy comfort found in smothered chicken and gravy, but with the addition of pasta and broccoli for a more rounded one-dish meal. Great for weeknights and meal prepping.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Southern-style favorite with a spicy twist, this recipe pairs tender chicken with a rich, creamy Cajun-seasoned sauce. Perfect if you love bold flavors with the same hearty texture found in smothered chicken and gravy.

Smothered Chicken and Gravy – Best Southern Comfort Meal

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