Name: Southern Smothered Chicken with Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 lb bone-in or boneless chicken pieces; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 large onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 3/4 cup milk or heavy cream

I like making Southern smothered chicken with gravy when I want a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal that feels like true home cooking. The chicken turns tender and juicy while the rich onion gravy brings everything together in the most satisfying way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, hearty, and full of classic Southern flavor. I enjoy how the chicken is lightly seasoned and browned, then slowly cooked in gravy until it’s incredibly tender. It’s the kind of meal I make when I want something cozy and deeply comforting. Southern Smothered Chicken with Gravy

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

bone-in or boneless chicken pieces
salt
black pepper
paprika
garlic powder
onion powder
all-purpose flour
vegetable oil
butter
onion, sliced
garlic
chicken broth
milk or heavy cream

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. I lightly coat the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. In a large skillet, I heat vegetable oil and butter and brown the chicken on both sides until golden, then remove it from the pan. In the same skillet, I add the sliced onions and cook them until soft and lightly caramelized. I stir in the garlic and remaining flour, cooking briefly to remove the raw taste. I slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, creating a smooth gravy. I return the chicken to the skillet, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Servings and timing

I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe. Prep time takes around 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 35–40 minutes. The total time comes to roughly 55 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add mushrooms to the gravy for extra depth. When I want a bit of heat, I include a pinch of cayenne pepper. I also like using chicken thighs for a juicier result. For a richer gravy, I use heavy cream instead of milk.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if the gravy thickens too much. Southern Smothered Chicken with Gravy

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

I use boneless chicken often, but bone-in pieces give even more flavor.

How do I keep the gravy smooth?

I whisk the liquid in slowly and keep stirring to prevent lumps.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I sometimes make it a day ahead, and the flavors taste even better the next day.

What can I serve with smothered chicken?

I like serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits to soak up the gravy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

I substitute gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy.

Conclusion

I find Southern smothered chicken with gravy to be the ultimate comfort food. The tender chicken and rich, savory gravy make it a dish I love cooking whenever I want something warm, filling, and deeply satisfying.