Heritage Smothered Chicken

Name: Heritage Smothered Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 4

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Heritage Smothered Chicken is a dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite. It's a savory, comforting meal that brings the richness of Southern cooking to your kitchen. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe is all about bringing together simple ingredients for a flavorful experience.

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Ingredients for Heritage Smothered Chicken

The star of the show is, of course, the chicken breasts. They absorb all the flavors from the sauce, becoming tender and juicy. The flour not only helps in coating the chicken but also thickens the gravy, giving it that nice, luscious texture. Salt and black pepper are your basic seasoning duo, while paprika adds a subtle depth and color. The garlic powder and onion powder enhance the flavor profile without overpowering the dish. The vegetable oil is used for browning the chicken, ensuring a nice crust forms on the outside. Onion contributes sweetness and aroma as it cooks down. Chicken broth is the base for the sauce, adding savory notes that complement the chicken. Whole milk makes the sauce creamy and rich, and a final touch of butter gives it that smooth, velvety finish.

Tips & Tricks

If you notice the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Serving Suggestions

This smothered chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice, which will soak up that delicious gravy. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots make a great vegetable side, adding color and contrast to the meal. For something a bit different, try serving it over a bed of creamy polenta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for whole milk?: You can use half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer sauce, or opt for a non-dairy milk like almond or soy for a lighter option.

Heritage Smothered Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your dredging station. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure everything is well combined because this mix is going to become both your chicken coating and the base for your gravy.

Take your chicken breasts and coat them in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess, but ensure they are evenly covered for a good crust. Heat your skillet over medium with the vegetable oil, then add the chicken. You want to cook them until they are golden brown on both sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes per side. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

In the same skillet, throw in your sliced onions. Sauté them until they become translucent, soaking up all those lovely brown bits left from the chicken. Sprinkle in the remaining flour mixture and cook it for a minute or two, which will help eliminate any raw flour taste.

Now, gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Keep it moving to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the skillet, as those add loads of flavor. Bring this to a simmer so it starts to thicken up.

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Lower the heat, cover, and let them cook through for about 25 minutes. This gentle simmer will thicken the sauce and ensure the chicken is tender.

Just before serving, stir in the butter until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. This step adds a glossy finish and boosts the flavor. Serve it up hot, and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Rich, creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Brings the cozy vibes of Southern comfort food to your table.
It's a one-pan dish, meaning less cleanup!
Adaptable to different side dishes and preferences.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

3. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté until translucent.

5. Stir in remaining flour mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes.

6. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet, and bring to a simmer.

7. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.