Easy Smothered Chicken Recipe for Comfort Food

This Easy Smothered Chicken Recipe creates tender chicken breasts covered in a creamy, savory onion gravy, cooked to perfection on the stovetop. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or family meal, this dish brings rich, homestyle flavors to your table. I made this for a cozy evening at home, and the creamy gravy with juicy chicken was a total crowd-pleaser! Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe delivers a hearty, restaurant-quality meal with simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Smothered Chicken Recipe

This dish is quick to make with pantry staples and bold flavors. The creamy onion gravy pairs perfectly with tender chicken for a satisfying meal. It’s versatile, letting you adjust the sauce thickness or add veggies to your taste. I love how it’s a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. Find more comfort food recipes at Fast Zest Recipes.

Easy Smothered Chicken

Sophia

Tender chicken breasts in creamy onion gravy.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, Southern inspired

Servings 4

Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Gravy:

• 1 large onion thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped green onions

Instructions

 

• Pound chicken to 1/2-inch thickness; season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Coat with 2 tbsp flour.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until 165°F; remove.
• Melt butter in skillet; sauté onion and garlic 4-5 minutes. Add 2 tbsp flour; stir 1 minute. Whisk in broth, cream, Worcestershire, thyme, salt, and pepper; simmer 3-4 minutes until thick.
• Return chicken to skillet, coat with gravy, and simmer 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and green onions. Serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Health Benefits of Easy Smothered Chicken

Chicken provides lean protein for muscle health and energy. Onions offer antioxidants and vitamin C for immune support. Using low-sodium broth keeps the dish heart-friendly in moderation. Adding veggies like spinach boosts nutrition for a balanced meal. Learn more about chicken recipes at Martha Stewart.

Ingredients for Easy Smothered Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Gravy:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped green onions

Substitutions: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter gravy. Replace flour with cornstarch for a gluten-free option. Use vegetable broth for a different flavor.

Notes: Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking. Slice onions thinly for faster softening. Stir gravy constantly to avoid lumps.

How to Make Easy Smothered Chicken

Prep Chicken

Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Lightly coat with 2 tbsp flour. This ensures even cooking and a golden crust.

Cook Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 165°F. Remove and set aside. This creates a flavorful, juicy base.

Make Gravy

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft. Sprinkle in 2 tbsp flour and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in broth, cream, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper; simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. This forms a creamy, savory gravy.

Combine and Serve

Return chicken to skillet, spoon gravy over, and simmer for 2 minutes to coat. Garnish with parsley and green onions if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides. This adds a comforting, flavorful touch.

Preparation Tips

• Pound chicken evenly: Flatten to 1/2-inch thickness for uniform cooking. This prevents dry edges. I pounded mine, and it was perfect.
• Use a hot skillet: Cook chicken on medium-high for a golden crust. This locks in juices. I heated my skillet, and it was great.
• Slice onions thinly: Cut onions into thin slices for quick softening. This speeds up the gravy. I sliced mine thin, and it was ideal.
• Whisk gravy smoothly: Stir constantly when adding broth to avoid lumps. This creates a creamy texture. I whisked mine, and it was perfect.
• Check chicken doneness: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety. This keeps it tender. I checked mine, and it was spot-on.
• Simmer briefly: Heat chicken in gravy just until coated to avoid overcooking. This maintains juiciness. I simmered mine briefly, and it was great.
• Serve hot: Plate immediately for the best warmth and flavor. This maximizes enjoyment. I served mine hot, and it was delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use chicken thighs: Swap breasts for thighs for richer flavor. This adds juiciness. I tried thighs, and it was tasty.
• Add mushrooms: Include 1 cup sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor. This boosts texture. I tried mushrooms, and it was great.
• Make it gluten-free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for the gravy. This suits gluten-free diets. I tried cornstarch, and it was delicious.
• Use half-and-half: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce. This reduces richness. I tried half-and-half, and it was fine.
• Add spinach: Stir in 1 cup chopped spinach for a green boost. This adds nutrition. I tried spinach, and it was vibrant.
• Add cayenne: Sprinkle 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. This adds heat. I tried cayenne, and it was exciting.
• Use turkey: Replace chicken with turkey cutlets for a different protein. This changes flavor slightly. I tried turkey, and it was great.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store cooked chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to loosen. Freeze chicken and gravy (separately) for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating. Prep onions and season chicken a day ahead; store separately in the fridge. Cook and assemble fresh for the best texture. Add garnishes just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Smothered Chicken Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why is my chicken dry?
   Avoid overcooking; check for 165°F to keep it juicy. I cooked mine to temperature, and it was perfect.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep onions and chicken a day ahead; cook fresh for best results. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why is my gravy lumpy?
   Whisk flour and broth slowly to prevent lumps. I whisked mine, and it was smooth.
4. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Thaw in the fridge for the best texture. I used fresh, and it was tasty.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Use tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken. I tried vegetarian, and it was delicious.
6. Why is my gravy too thin?
   Simmer longer or add more flour to thicken. I adjusted mine, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes to soak up the gravy for a hearty meal. Pair with steamed green beans for a balanced plate. Enjoy with a glass of iced tea for a comforting touch. I served mine with potatoes, and it was a perfect match. This dish is great for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy gatherings.

Nutrition Info for Easy Smothered Chicken

Per serving (1 chicken breast with gravy, 4 servings):

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Smothered Chicken Recipe is a comforting, savory delight that’s perfect for any cozy meal. Its creamy gravy and tender chicken make it a go-to favorite. How do you like to customize your chicken dishes? Let us know in the comments!