Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Intensity: Moderate

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon fat
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Brown Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil or bacon fat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Saute Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried oregano, and paprika. Stir to combine.
5. Return Chicken: Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetable mixture.
6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Thicken Sauce (Optional): If desired, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer the sauce, uncovered, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
8. Serve: Serve the smothered chicken hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.

Nutrition (per serving, based on 1 chicken thigh with sauce):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg

Note: This Southern smothered chicken recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The chicken thighs are cooked until tender in a savory sauce with onions, garlic, and bell peppers, creating a delicious meal reminiscent of Southern home cooking.