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Stovetop Smothered Chicken

Stovetop Smothered Chicken
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A quick and delicious Stovetop Smothered Chicken recipe featuring tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs simmered in a savory, flavorful gravy with caramelized onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy nights, this one-pan dish delivers comforting, rich flavors with minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Thickeners

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)

Fats

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive oil)

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
  • Additional salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps achieve a golden brown crust when searing, locking in moisture and flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook the other side briefly, then remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until softened and golden brown. Add the minced garlic during the last minute to avoid burning and release its aroma.
  4. Create the Gravy Base: Sprinkle flour evenly over the caramelized onions, stirring to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until the sauce thickens into a smooth, velvety gravy.
  5. Simmer and Smother: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the gravy. Add fresh herbs, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
  6. Final Touches: Remove the lid, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If the gravy is too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce slightly. Serve immediately while warm and smothered in sauce.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before searing for crispier skin.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning.
  • Cook onions low and slow to develop deep sweetness.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end for bright, fresh flavor without bitterness.
  • Adjust gravy consistency by adding broth if too thick or simmering uncovered if too thin.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered chicken, stovetop chicken recipe, comfort food, quick chicken dinner, one-pan chicken, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/stovetop-smothered-chicken/