This smothered chicken dish is a cozy meal that features juicy chicken topped with a rich, creamy sauce. Paired with fluffy mashed potatoes, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
When I make this, my family can’t get enough of the sauce. I might make a little extra just so we can slather it all over those tasty potatoes. Yum! 🍽️
The best part? This dish is pretty easy to whip up. Just sear the chicken, make the sauce, and mash those potatoes—comfort food made simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. If you’re looking for a different flavor, you could use thighs for a juicier option or even turkey breasts for a leaner choice.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for dredging as it helps create a crispy coating. If you need a gluten-free option, try using rice flour or `gluten-free blend` instead.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Bacon: It adds a delicious smoky flavor. If bacon isn’t your thing, try using turkey bacon or leave it out and use a touch of smoked paprika instead for that flavor.
How Do You Get the Chicken Golden Brown and Tender?
The key to perfectly cooked chicken is to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This lets the chicken brown evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the olive oil until it’s shimmering, then add the chicken. Let it sear without moving it for best browning.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until it reaches that golden color.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy!
What’s the Best Way to Mash Potatoes for Creaminess?
Getting your mashed potatoes creamy takes a few simple steps:
- Use starchy potatoes like russets. They break down well.
- Boil until tender but don’t overcook; this can make them watery.
- Mash them while they’re hot and add warm milk and melted butter. This helps achieve a smooth texture.
How to Make Smothered Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk (or more to your desired creaminess)
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to cook. You’ll have perfectly smothered chicken and creamy mashed potatoes ready to serve in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Take each chicken breast and coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any extra flour.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Bacon:
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped bacon and cook until it becomes crispy. Once crispy, remove it from the skillet and leave the grease behind, which adds great flavor!
4. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté it until it looks soft and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its flavor.
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape off any tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom. Next, stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and cooked bacon. Let this simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Put the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. Cover and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thickened to how you like it.
7. Prepare Mashed Potatoes:
While the chicken is cooking, boil the cubed potatoes in a big pot of salted water until they are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes, return them to the pot, and add in the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash them up until they are smooth and creamy.
8. Serve:
Grab a plate and scoop some mashed potatoes on it. Top with the smothered chicken and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes, if you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. However, keep in mind that using a lower fat option might result in a thinner sauce, so you may need to let it simmer a little longer to thicken.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or even water if you’re in a pinch. Just be aware that it might alter the flavor slightly, so you may want to add extra seasoning to compensate.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, make sure the dish is chilled, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! If using bone-in chicken, adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes per side to ensure it’s fully cooked. The longer cooking will also enrich the sauce with more flavor from the bones.
