Description
Hearty Southern Smothered Chicken delivers rich, comforting flavors straight from Louisiana’s culinary heart. Crispy seasoned chicken nestles under a velvety gravy, promising a soulful meal that connects home cooks with traditional Southern hospitality.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 5 strips thick cut bacon
Dry Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
Other Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1/3 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
- 2–3 drops kitchen bouquet (optional)
Instructions
- Render bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat until crisp and golden, approximately 8-10 minutes. Extract and reserve bacon drippings for subsequent cooking stages.
- Butterfly chicken breasts horizontally, creating thinner cutlets. Gently pound meat to uniform ¾-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels to ensure optimal flour adherence.
- Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to create an even, complete layer. Heat reserved bacon drippings with minimal vegetable oil in the same skillet.
- Carefully place floured chicken into hot skillet, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a rich, amber-brown exterior. Maintain consistent medium-high heat for optimal caramelization.
- Remove chicken and drain excess oil, preserving browned pan remnants. Melt butter, creating a smooth roux by whisking in flour until golden and fragrant.
- Gradually incorporate chicken broth, continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Introduce half-and-half and remaining seasonings, simmering until sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.
- Return chicken to gravy, nestling pieces to absorb surrounding flavors. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over top and simmer 10-15 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and chicken to become thoroughly heated.
Notes
- Save those golden, flavor-packed bacon drippings for an instant taste boost that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
- Pounding chicken to an even ¾-inch ensures consistent cooking and helps the flour coating adhere perfectly, preventing dry or uneven meat.
- Pat chicken completely dry before dredging to create a crispy, golden crust that locks in moisture and delivers maximum flavor.
- Whisk chicken broth into the roux gradually and consistently to prevent lumps, creating a silky-smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg