Savory Herb Smothered Chicken

Name: Savory Herb Smothered Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1 cup sliced onions; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this Savory Herb Smothered Chicken. It's a delightful mix of tender chicken and a rich, herb-infused sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for a cozy family meal or a special occasion.

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Ingredients for Savory Herb Smothered Chicken

The star of this dish is the chicken thighs. Their higher fat content keeps them juicy and flavorful, even when cooked thoroughly. A little salt and black pepper are the simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors.

Olive oil starts things off by giving the chicken a beautiful golden crust. Mushrooms and onions add depth and a touch of sweetness, while garlic brings that classic aromatic punch.

Chicken broth and heavy cream create a luscious sauce, thickened just a bit with flour to coat every morsel. The blend of thyme, parsley, rosemary, and smoked paprika provides a fragrant, earthy finish that ties the whole dish together.

Tips & Tricks

Brown the chicken well: It adds deep flavor to both the chicken and the sauce.
Use fresh herbs if possible — they make a world of difference.
Avoid overcooking the garlic to prevent bitterness.
Let the sauce simmer gently to avoid splitting the cream.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or a simple buttered rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside some steamed green beans or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?: Yes, but reduce the simmering time to 15-20 minutes to prevent them from drying out.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?: Try half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.

Savory Herb Smothered Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab your chicken thighs and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. This simple step sets up a foundation of flavor. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken, skin-side down, and let them brown on each side. This should take about 5 minutes per side. Once golden, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, toss in the sliced mushrooms and onions. Sauté them until they're softened and the onions are translucent, which should take around 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for just about a minute until it's fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.

Now, sprinkle the flour over the veggie mix and stir it well. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — they’re packed with flavor. Then, pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.

It's time to bring in the herbs: sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, rosemary, and a dash of smoked paprika. Give it all a good stir before returning the chicken to the skillet. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the sauce nicely thickened.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of flavors: earthy herbs meet creamy goodness.
Simple enough for a weeknight, special enough for guests.
Minimal prep, maximum flavor — you'll be done before you know it!
Uses common ingredients you probably already have.

Ingredients

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 cup sliced onions

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp dried rosemary

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown chicken on both sides. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add mushrooms and onions, sauté until softened.

4. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

5. Stir in flour, cooking for 2 minutes until it starts to brown.

6. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, stirring continuously.

7. Add thyme, parsley, rosemary, and smoked paprika, then return the chicken to the skillet.

8. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.

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