Description
A delicious recipe for smothered chicken thighs served with rich gravy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
Instructions
- Season and dredge the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken. Lightly dredge each thigh in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the chicken in vegetable oil in a large skillet (cast iron works best) over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking them through just yet—they’ll finish in the gravy later. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the gravy base in the same skillet, lower the heat and add sliced onions. Cook slowly until they’re soft and caramelized, about 10–12 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour and stir continuously, letting it brown slightly and soak up all the pan drippings.
- Build the gravy by pouring in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add thyme and cayenne pepper. Let the gravy simmer gently for 5–6 minutes, until it thickens.
- Smother the chicken thighs in the skillet, nestling them into the gravy, skin-side up. Spoon a little gravy over the top and cover the pan with a lid. Let it simmer on low for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve and enjoy your smothered chicken thighs over rice, mashed potatoes, or even buttery biscuits. Spoon plenty of that rich gravy over the top and garnish with fresh herbs if you like.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.
- Add fresh herbs for garnish if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh with gravy
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg