Savor the Comfort with One-Skillet Smothered Chicken
This easy one-skillet Smothered Chicken is comfort food at its best, featuring crisp bacon and creamy seasoned gravy. Enjoy it over mashed potatoes, with collard greens, or alongside creamed peas for a hearty Southern meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and content. Here’s how to whip up this flavorful dish in no time.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2-3 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or thyme
Instructions:
- Cook Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until brown and crispy. Once done, chop the bacon and set it aside, reserving the bacon grease.
- Prepare Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. Set aside 1/4 cup of the flour mixture.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Dredge the chicken in the remaining flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
- In the skillet with the reserved bacon grease, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides. Once cooked, plate the chicken.
- Make Gravy:
- Melt enough butter in the skillet to have 4 tablespoons of fat. Turn the heat to medium-low. Whisk in the reserved 1/4 cup of flour mixture and cook for about 3 minutes, scraping the brown bits off the bottom of the skillet.
- Slowly add the milk and chicken broth, alternating between the two while whisking constantly. Add the chicken back to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes to warm the chicken and finish cooking it.
- Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.
Recipe Notes:
- Chicken Preparation: If your chicken breasts are oversized, consider cutting them in half or using chicken cutlets for quicker cooking. Tenderize thick ends with a meat mallet if necessary.
- Bacon Grease: Utilize the bacon grease to brown the chicken for added flavor and texture.
- Chicken Doneness: Ensure chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spice Blend: The combination of spices in the breading and gravy adds a unique and delicious flavor profile to the dish.
- Adjusting Gravy: If the gravy becomes too thick, simply add a bit more milk or chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- Flavor Enhancement: Scrape the skillet to incorporate browned bacon and flour bits into the gravy for maximum flavor.
- Variation: For a Louisiana-style twist, substitute 1 tablespoon of Cajun or Creole seasoning for all the spices in the recipe.
Storage and Serving Suggestions:
- Leftovers: Store any leftover Smothered Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in a freezer-proof container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Serving: Serve the chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles, and pour the creamy gravy over the top for a satisfying meal.
Savor the warmth and comfort of this Southern classic, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, One-Skillet Smothered Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every delicious bite!
