Name: Smothered Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: 5 slices of thick-cut bacon; 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying); ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon seasoned salt; ¾ teaspoon black pepper; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 ½ cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred; 1 beef bouillon cube; ⅓ cup half-and-half (half milk, half cream); 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary; ¼ teaspoon ground sage

I just have to tell you, this smothered chicken recipe became an instant family favorite when I made it last week. The tender chicken breast, rich gravy, and crispy bacon have a way of comforting you with every bite.

It felt like restaurant-quality food, but the best part? It was homemade. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

Ingredients

5 slices of thick-cut bacon
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Chicken Dredge

½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup plain breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
¾ teaspoon black pepper

Gravy

4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
1 beef bouillon cube
⅓ cup half-and-half (half milk, half cream)
1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
¼ teaspoon ground sage

Note: This recipe serves 4 people.

Variations

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Dairy-Free: Replace butter with dairy-free butter and use unsweetened almond milk with a touch of cornstarch in place of half-and-half.
Low-Sodium: Use unsalted butter, low-sodium chicken broth, and reduce or eliminate soy sauce.
Add Flavor: Sprinkle in smoked paprika or cayenne for a hint of spice.
Meat Swaps: Substitute chicken with pork chops or chicken thighs for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet – For frying the chicken and preparing the gravy.
Mixing bowls – To prepare the dredging mixture and gravy ingredients.
Meat tenderizer – To flatten the chicken evenly.
Silicone spatula – Helpful for stirring the gravy without leaving residue.
Tongs – To easily flip the chicken and bacon.

How to Make Smothered Chicken Recipe?

This dish comes together beautifully in just a few steps. Each component, from crispy bacon to creamy gravy, plays a big role in its hearty flavor.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by assembling all your ingredients. Cut the chicken breast in half lengthwise and pound each piece to about three-fourths of an inch in thickness with a meat tenderizer. This step ensures even cooking and makes the dredge stick well.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Heat your skillet over medium heat and fry the bacon strips until crispy. This step not only adds flavor to the dish but also creates a base for a rich gravy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, and set aside the drippings for later use.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Prepare your chicken coating by combining flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then dredge each piece in the mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny is well-coated for a golden, crispy texture.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat the reserved bacon drippings and enough vegetable oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place the dredged chicken in the pan (fry in batches if needed). Cook each piece for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 5: Prepare the Gravy

Drain the pan of excess oil, leaving behind the flavorful brown bits (fond). Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat, scraping up the bits with a spatula. Gradually sprinkle in the flour while whisking continuously to create a smooth roux.

Step 6: Add Liquid and Seasonings

Slowly incorporate the chicken broth and half-and-half into the roux, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth consistency. Add the beef bouillon, soy sauce, and seasonings like thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Simmer the gravy until thickened and luscious.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Return the fried chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated in the rich gravy. Crumble the reserved bacon over the top. Partially cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into perfection.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.

Credit: Pinterest

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe is sure to win you over with its simplicity and versatility. Here’s why it stands out:

Easy to prepare with minimal dishes required.
Packed with comforting flavors your family will love.
Customizable to suit various diets or preferences.
Adds a restaurant-level dish to your home menu.
Perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.

How to Serve Smothered Chicken Recipe?

Smothered chicken is a hearty dish, so complementing it with light and fresh sides works wonders. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the gravy. Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus also make great accompaniments. Feel free to add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a touch of brightness and color on the plate.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

Calories: 666
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fat: 54g

Make Ahead and Storage

Cooking ahead makes life so much easier, especially with a recipe like this. You can make the chicken and gravy in advance and reheat later.

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm the dish slowly in a skillet or oven, adding a bit of broth or water to maintain the gravy’s consistency.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Having made this recipe myself, I gathered a few key tips to ensure the best results:

Always pound the chicken evenly for consistent cooking and tender results.
Make sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding the chicken to prevent the coating from falling off.
Don’t skip whisking the gravy continuously to keep it lump-free and silky smooth.
Reserve a bit of bacon to sprinkle on top just before serving for added crunch and visual appeal.
If you prefer a deeper-colored gravy, add a dash of kitchen bouquet sauce for enhanced richness.

This smothered chicken is a showstopper of a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served on a weeknight or at a special gathering, the combination of juicy chicken, creamy gravy, and crispy bacon hits all the right notes. Give it a try and enjoy this feel-good comfort dish!