Smothered Chicken Breast

Let’s face it—staring down another package of chicken breasts and trying to come up with yet another dinner can be a chore. This smothered chicken breast recipe is here to save the day, transforming ordinary chicken with a flavor-packed gravy made with caramelized onions, garlic and a touch of cream.

Smothered chicken tends to be a southern thing (one of the earliest printed recipes is from the 1830s) with roots in Cajun or Creole cuisine. Pan-cooked chicken with a quick and easy onion gravy made from with the drippings is a staple from the Carolinas to Louisiana and many points in between. Although it has down-home roots and has secured its place on the weeknight dinner table, this plate-licking masterpiece can impress even the most discerning guests.

Smothered Chicken Breast Ingredients

• Olive oil: Olive oil’s medium-high smoke point makes it ideal for searing, and its subtle flavor complements the savory gravy without overpowering it. Choose an olive oil brand with more flavor for a more robust dish.
• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly, making them ideal for this dish. Flattening them with a meat tenderizer ensures uniform thickness, which helps prevent overcooking and keeps the meat juicy.
• Salt and pepper: Salt flavors and tenderizes the meat, and pepper adds just the right amount of spice.
• Flour: Dredging the chicken in flour creates a light crust that seals in the juices and helps the gravy cling to the chicken. It’s also used to make the roux and thicken the sauce.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and depth to the gravy, balancing the savory elements with a hint of indulgence.
• Onion: Onions bring a natural sweetness and complexity to the sauce, their flavor intensifying as they soften and caramelize in the butter.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the gravy with warm, aromatic flavor that gives the sauce some personality.
• Chicken broth: Chicken broth lengthens the sauce. Use reduced sodium broth so the dish doesn’t become overly salty.
• Heavy whipping cream: A small amount of cream makes the sauce luxuriously silky without being overly rich.
• Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy umami element to the gravy, enhancing its complexity and rounding out the flavors.
• Poultry seasoning: Poultry seasoning (usually a blend of sage, rosemary, marjoram, pepper, thyme and nutmeg) brings a subtle blend of herbs and spices that amplifies the chicken’s flavor and ties the dish together.
• Fresh thyme: Fresh thyme offers a delicate herbal note that brightens the dish and adds a touch of freshness to the rich gravy.

Directions

Step 1: Sear the chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in flour and shake off any excess. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook them for six to eight minutes per side or until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer them to a plate and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the gravy

Add butter to the skillet and, once melted, stir in onion and garlic. Cook until onions are tender, three to four minutes. Whisk in flour and cook until browned, two to three minutes. Gradually add stock and then bring to a simmer. Whisk in the cream and simmer until it’s thickened, for three to four minutes. Stir in the poultry seasoning, salt, pepper and fresh thyme. Finally, add the chicken back to the pan and spoon sauce over the chicken until it’s warmed.

Editor’s Tip: To save some time, professional chefs make the roux ahead of time and store it. You also don’t have to cook chicken to enjoy this dish! The gravy is a a terrific way to make leftover chicken exciting or to add flavor to store-bought rotisserie or frozen chicken.

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Smothered Chicken Breast Variations

• Try mushroom gravy: Add a cup of sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and garlic for an earthy, hearty twist.
• Change up the chicken: Chicken thighs are a fantastic and flavorful alternative to breast meat.
• Add some spice: Swap out the poultry seasoning for Cajun seasoning in the gravy, and add a splash of hot sauce to make a spicier version.

How to Store Smothered Chicken Breast

Letting the chicken cool completely before refrigerating it is essential to maintaining its texture and preventing condensation. Store any leftover smothered chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How long do smothered chicken breasts last?

Smothered chicken breasts will last for three to four days in the refrigerator when appropriately stored in an airtight container.

Can you freeze smothered chicken breasts?

Yes, you can freeze smothered chicken breasts. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do you reheat smothered chicken breasts?

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat. You can also reheat it in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the gravy from thickening too much.

Smothered Chicken Breast Tips

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Can you make smothered chicken breasts with bone-in chicken?

Yes, but increase the cooking time by five to seven minutes per side to ensure the chicken cooks through.

How do you cook chicken breasts so they stay moist?

There are a few mistakes everyone makes when it comes to cooking chicken, and one of them is not finding a balance of moisture. To keep your chicken juicy, pound it to an even thickness so it cooks evenly. Do your best to avoid overcooking the meat; too much time on the heat is the leading cause of dryness. Finally, it’s always wise to let the chicken rest before serving it to allow its juices to redistribute.

How do you thicken the gravy for smothered chicken?

Need a little homemade gravy know-how? If your gravy is too thin, combine one teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with two teaspoons of water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Add the slurry slowly to the gravy and simmer until the sauce has thickened. To thin out gravy that has gotten too thick, stir in additional chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

What can you serve with smothered chicken breasts?

This recipe for smothered chicken breasts pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, stuffing or rice to soak up the delicious gravy. If you insist on something green, try roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to add color and a healthy balance. Finish off this delightful meal with chocolate swirl cheesecake, because why not treat yourself?