Name: Smothered Chicken Thighs with Gravy – 5 Star Comfort Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional); Cream for extra richness (optional); Sliced mushrooms (optional)

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Smothered Chicken Thighs with Gravy is a dish that has been a staple in many homes, especially in Southern cuisine. This tender, flavorful comfort meal is perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week. The chicken thighs are well-seasoned and seared, then simmered in a velvety gravy infused with onions, garlic, thyme, and paprika. Served over mashed potatoes or rice, this recipe captures the essence of comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Smothered Chicken Thighs with

This dish is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Second, the juicy chicken and rich gravy create a delightful flavor combination that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Also, it’s a one-pot chicken thighs dish, which means less cleanup! Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, it’s sure to satisfy. Plus, this recipe allows for customization, letting you add your favorite vegetables for a more balanced meal. It’s also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. For more delicious recipes, check out our last recipes.

Ingredients for Smothered Chicken Thighs with

Gather these items:

6 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cream for extra richness (optional)
Sliced mushrooms (optional)

How to Make Smothered Chicken Thighs with Step-by-Step

Step 1: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over the chicken thighs.
Step 2: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Melt butter in the same pan. Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Add flour and stir for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth and lump-free.
Step 6: Add paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 7: Return chicken to the skillet, nestle into the gravy, cover, and simmer on low for 25–35 minutes.
Step 8: Adjust seasoning and serve with plenty of gravy over potatoes, rice, or vegetables.

Pro Tips for the Best Smothered Chicken Thighs with

Keep these in mind:

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
Customize with your favorite vegetables.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the gravy.

Best Ways to Serve Smothered Chicken Thighs with

Enjoy this dish best over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or alongside biscuits. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables for a complete meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it with a side of cornbread for that authentic Southern touch. For more ideas, check out our cheesy mashed potato balls.

How to Store and Reheat Smothered Chicken Thighs with

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. This makes it perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Smothered Chicken Thighs with

What’s the secret to perfect Smothered Chicken Thighs with?

The secret lies in the seasoning and the slow simmering in the gravy. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Using bone-in chicken thighs can also enhance the richness of the sauce.

Can I make Smothered Chicken Thighs with ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve. This makes it an excellent choice for entertaining or busy weeknights.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Smothered Chicken Thighs with?

To avoid common mistakes, make sure not to rush the searing of the chicken. A good sear is important for flavor. Also, be careful not to add too much salt initially; you can always adjust the seasoning later while it’s simmering.

Variations of Smothered Chicken Thighs with You Can Try

There are several delicious variations to explore. You can try adding sliced mushrooms to the gravy for added depth of flavor. Another option is to incorporate different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to give it a fresh twist. For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. For more variations, visit our Cajun lasagna recipe.

Smothered Chicken Thighs with Gravy – 5 Star Comfort Meal

Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Smothered Chicken Thighs with Gravy – Tender, Flavorful Comfort Meal

Instructions

Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over the chicken thighs.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Melt butter in the same pan. Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
Add flour and stir for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth and lump-free.
Add paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Return chicken to the skillet, nestle into the gravy, cover, and simmer on low 25–35 minutes.
Adjust seasoning and serve with plenty of gravy over potatoes, rice, or vegetables.