Nothing brings comfort to the table quite like a plate of beautifully smothered chicken thighs in rich, creamy gravy. This Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy recipe delivers a delicious, satisfying meal that warms the heart and pleases the palate. The combination of juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, aromatic spices, and the heavenly sauce created from fresh ingredients makes it a family favorite. Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it’s also simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or even a weekend gathering.
This dish’s appeal lies in the depth of flavor developed throughout the cooking process. The searing of the chicken enhances its natural taste, while the fluffy gravy absorbs all the aromatic notes from garlic and onion, creating a symphony of flavors that you will find hard to resist. The versatility of smothered chicken means you can serve it with various sides, making it a delightful option for any occasion. Plus, it’s gluten-free, allowing everyone to enjoy its deliciousness without worry.
Why You’ll Love This Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy
- Rich Flavor: The blend of spices, garlic, and onion creates an unforgettable taste.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for warming your heart and soul on a cold day.
- Simple Preparation: Easy steps make it beginner-friendly and enjoyable for all skill levels.
- Versatile Meal: Pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- Gluten-Free: Enjoyable for those adhering to gluten-free diets!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delightful recipe, take some time to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools and ingredients. Start by cleaning your workspace and ensuring you have ample room to maneuver. For this recipe, you will need a large oven-safe skillet that can transition from stovetop to oven, allowing for both searing and baking without transferring to another dish.
Also, have a bowl for mixing your seasoned flour and another plate handy for the seared chicken thighs. Make sure to have measuring spoons for accurate seasoning, a whisk for blending your roux, and a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. Organizing your ingredients like chicken thighs, spices, flour, and broth beforehand will make your cooking smoother and enhance your culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoning salt, plus 1 tablespoon divided
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder, divided
- 2 tablespoons paprika, divided
- 1 packet Sazon seasoning
- 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Dried parsley, for garnish
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 large white onion, sliced
- 7 to 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
To kick off this amazing dish, pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and allow them to sit at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes. This step helps ensure even cooking. While your chicken is resting, give it a generous seasoning rub on both sides using 2 teaspoons of Lawry’s seasoning salt, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of paprika, and the Sazon seasoning. This thorough seasoning forms the foundation of flavor.
Step 2: Create the Seasoned Flour Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of paprika, and the cracked black pepper. Use a whisk to blend all the dry ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite of chicken will be packed with flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken is seasoned, it’s time to coat it in the seasoned flour mixture. Taking one thigh at a time, dredge it through the flour blend, shaking off any excess flour before transferring it to a plate. This step creates a lovely crust on the chicken during the searing process, enhancing the depth of flavor in the final dish.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken Thighs
Heat the oil in your large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully arrange the chicken thighs skin side down and sear them for about 5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. This process locks in moisture while creating a crispy skin that adds to the overall texture of the dish. After browning the thighs, transfer them to a plate and set them aside.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, discard any excess oil, retaining about 2 tablespoons. To the skillet, add the unsalted butter, sliced onion, chopped garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and 4 tablespoons of the reserved seasoned flour. Sauté these ingredients together for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until a light roux forms and the onion has softened. This roux will give your gravy its thickness and depth.
Step 6: Develop the Gravy
Next, gradually whisk in the 2 1/2 cups of chicken stock and allow it to simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes until the gravy thickens slightly. Once you achieve the desired consistency, pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth.
Step 7: Bake the Chicken
Now it’s time to nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, ensuring the chicken is partly submerged in the gravy. This will ensure even cooking and allows the thighs to absorb all those delicious flavors. Bring the skillet to a gentle boil on the stovetop. Once boiling, cover it with a lid and transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken for 45 minutes until it is tender and fully cooked.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and uncover. To finish, spoon the thickened gravy generously over each chicken thigh, and sprinkle with dried parsley for a beautiful garnish. Serve this hearty meal hot alongside freshly made mashed potatoes or your choice of sides. Your family will rave about this delicious Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy!
Variations
- Protein: You can substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even pork chops if you prefer.
- Vegetables: Add carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the gravy for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun or Italian for a unique twist!
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry to ensure a good sear and crisp skin.
- If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious gravy.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy.
- Make sure to keep the skillet on medium-high heat while searing to avoid undercooked chicken.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 475
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 930mg
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but be mindful of the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Store the leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.
What can I pair with smothered chicken thighs?
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh bread to soak up the gravy.
How do I store this dish?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
The Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy recipe is a heartfelt dish that combines flavors and comfort, perfect for any family dinner. Embrace the rich taste and enjoy the bonding moments around the dining table as your family savors this delightful meal. If you try this recipe, leave a comment to share your experience or any variations you made. Remember, comfort food can also be adapted, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!
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Delicious Smothered Chicken Thighs in Rich Gravy
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy recipe delivers a delicious, satisfying meal that warms the heart.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoning salt, plus 1 tablespoon divided
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder, divided
- 2 tablespoons paprika, divided
- 1 packet Sazon seasoning
- 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Dried parsley, for garnish
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 large white onion, sliced
- 7 to 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season.
- Mix flour with seasonings.
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture.
- Sear chicken in skillet.
- Make the gravy with butter, onion, and garlic.
- Whisk in stock and cream, then add back chicken.
- Bake chicken in gravy until cooked through.
- Serve with gravy and garnish.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sodium: 930 mg
- Protein: 32 g