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Smothered Chicken Recipe

Smothered Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

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
  • 23 drops kitchen bouquet (optional)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Remove chicken and drain excess oil, preserving browned pan remnants. Melt butter, creating a smooth roux by whisking in flour until golden and fragrant.
  6. Gradually incorporate chicken broth, continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Introduce half-and-half and remaining seasonings, simmering until sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.
  7. 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