Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy brings a comforting, home-cooked meal that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart. This recipe highlights juicy chicken thighs coated in a rich and creamy gravy, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
Smothered Chicken Thighs with Gravy are more than just a dish; they are an experience. The tenderness of the chicken combined with a savory, creamy gravy makes every bite comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or planning a special meal, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Moreover, the ingredients are simple and often found in your pantry, making it both accessible and budget-friendly. You can serve it over rice, potatoes, or alongside vegetables, offering versatility in your meal planning.
How to Make Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy
Let’s dive into creating this delicious dish! With a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a dinner that feels like a warm hug.
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Ingredients
- 4 skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Directions
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Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps the flavors penetrate the meat and promotes even cooking.
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Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Just as the onions begin to soften, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, which will take about an additional minute.
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Brown the Chicken: Increase the heat slightly and add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the skin is nicely browned. Flip the thighs and brown the other side for another 5 minutes.
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Make the Roux: Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet temporarily and sprinkle the flour into the drippings left in the pan. Stir the flour to create a roux, cooking it for a minute or two until it starts to lightly brown.
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Incorporate the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth and soy sauce, mixing until smooth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, continuing to stir. Cook this mixture until it slightly thickens, which usually takes a couple of minutes. Stir in the fresh thyme.
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Simmer the Dish: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the gravy. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
Pro Tips for Success Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy
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Let Chicken Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after seasoning helps intensify the flavors—don’t skip this step!
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Use Bone-In Thighs: For extra flavor, bone-in chicken thighs are preferable. They stay juicier and add richness to the dish.
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Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the cooking time after adding the cream to allow it to reduce further.
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Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme adds more vivid flavor than dried. If you can, try to use fresh for the best taste.
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Don’t Rush the Browning: Searing the chicken properly ensures you get great flavor from the caramelized bits left in the pan.
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Taste and Adjust: Always taste your gravy towards the end of cooking. You might need to adjust the salt or add a splash more soy sauce for depth.
Flavor Variations Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy
If you want to mix things up, consider these flavor variations:
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Mushroom Adding: Sauté mushrooms along with the onions for a hearty twist.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the gravy for some heat.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley for a unique aromatic profile.
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Citrus Zing: A squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the dish, balancing the richness of the gravy.
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Bourbon Twist: For an adult flair, deglaze the pan with a splash of bourbon before adding the broth (for a non-alcoholic version, use more chicken broth).
Serving Suggestions Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy
Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy can be served in numerous delicious ways:
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Over Rice: Serve over steamed white or brown rice, allowing the gravy to soak in and flavor the rice.
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With Mashed Potatoes: Make a comforting combination by serving with fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich gravy.
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Vegetable Pairing: Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli make excellent sidekicks, adding color and nutrition to the plate.
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Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread to scoop up the gravy, turning your meal into a delightful feast.
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Salad Side: A light salad can balance out the heartiness of the chicken, providing a fresh and vibrant aspect to the meal.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy
For meal prep or enjoying the dish later, here’s how to store properly:
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Refrigeration: Allow leftover Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: To freeze, let the dish cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to rehydrate the gravy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|————|——————-|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fat | 34g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
FAQ About Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless chicken thighs! Just be aware that they may cook faster than bone-in thighs, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I replace the heavy cream with for a lighter version?
If you are looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a combination of low-fat milk and Greek yogurt. Just remember, using lighter alternatives may result in a thinner gravy.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy can be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic separately before transferring everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
How can I make the gravy gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with a bit of cold broth before adding it to ensure a smooth gravy.
What sides go well with Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy?
Several sides pair well with this dish, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. A simple green salad can also complement the heartiness of the meal. Consider serving with biscuits or crusty bread to mop up the gravy!
Final Thoughts
Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy is a comforting, rich dish that is sure to delight everyone at your table. With its simple ingredients, delectable flavors, and the warmth of home cooking, this recipe has everything you need for a fulfilling meal. So whether it’s a busy weeknight or a Sunday dinner with loved ones, this dish is the perfect choice. Give it a try, and enjoy the wonderful aromas and flavors that will fill your kitchen!
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Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Enjoy a comforting meal with juicy chicken thighs coated in a rich and creamy gravy, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and brown for 5 minutes on each side.
- Remove the chicken, add flour to the drippings, stir to create a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and soy sauce, then pour in heavy cream and stir until thickened.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until cooked and tender.
Notes
Letting the chicken rest after seasoning enhances flavor. Use bone-in thighs for better juiciness. If you want thicker gravy, increase cooking time after adding cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
