This smothered chicken with onion gravy is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy chicken cooked until tender and smothered in a rich, flavorful onion gravy makes for a cozy meal.
Honestly, who can resist a dish that’s both warm and hearty? I love serving it with mashed potatoes—it’s like a hug on a plate! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. For a change, you can use thighs; they stay juicier and have more flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try using tofu or tempeh seasoned similarly!
Onions: A large, sweet onion works best for caramelizing. If you’re short on time, you can use a mix of shallots or red onions for a slightly different taste. I prefer sweet onions for their mild flavor!
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or even coconut cream if you’re dairy-free. I love how rich the gravy gets with heavy cream, but I’ve used alternatives when I need to cut calories.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can work okay. Just remember to adjust salt as these can be saltier!
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a lovely smoky element, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can also work. I personally love the extra warmth from smoked spices, so I keep some on hand!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken Breasts?
Cooking chicken breasts just right can be tricky. You want them juicy, not dry. Here are some steps to ensure they come out perfectly!
- Start with even-sized breasts for uniform cooking. You can pound them to an even thickness if they vary.
- Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and spices. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat your skillet properly! The oil should shimmer before you add the chicken. This helps with browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This prevents steaming and ensures a good sear.
- Using a meat thermometer is a smart move. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F (75°C). This keeps it juicy!
Delicious Smothered Chicken & Onion Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Gravy:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for preparation and about 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need around 40-45 minutes to bring this comforting dish to your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on both sides. This will give them a great flavor!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they become translucent and start to caramelize. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Gravy:
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the Worcestershire sauce and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the Cream:
Next, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well and allow the gravy to thicken slightly over the next 3-5 minutes. It should become nice and creamy!
6. Combine Chicken and Gravy:
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the onion gravy over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes so all the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley. This dish goes wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious gravy. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute the Cream with a Lighter Option?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick and creamy, so you might want to add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed in water to help thicken it as it simmers.
What Can I Use Instead of Worcestershire Sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can use soy sauce with a dash of vinegar or lemon juice for a similar flavor. Alternatively, a mix of balsamic vinegar and a touch of sugar could also work well as a substitute.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover smothered chicken and onion gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if it gets too thick!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. The best way is to let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place the sealed chicken in cold water for a quicker thaw. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly for frozen versus thawed chicken!
