Description
This Smothered Chicken recipe is a heartwarming dish that epitomizes comfort food at its best. Featuring tender, juicy chicken pieces enveloped in a rich, creamy gravy, it’s a classic Southern-inspired meal that’s perfect for cozy family dinners. The dish starts with seasoned chicken that’s browned to perfection, then simmered in a homemade gravy made from the flavorful drippings, mushrooms, garlic, and a touch of heavy cream.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
- Add mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until they’re golden brown. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
Notes
- Chicken Selection: While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease and convenience, feel free to use bone-in, skin-on pieces for added flavor. Thighs, in particular, are known for their juiciness and richness, making them an excellent choice for smothering.
- Making Ahead: Smothered Chicken is a great make-ahead meal. Prepare the dish up to two days in advance and gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra chicken stock or water to thin the gravy if necessary.
- Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes beautifully. Cool the chicken and gravy completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly on the stove.
- Dietary Adaptations: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, and use a thickener of your choice in place of flour to cater to gluten-free needs.
- Serving Suggestions: While Smothered Chicken is traditionally served with starches like mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the gravy, don’t hesitate to pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
- Gravy Thickness: The thickness of the gravy can be adjusted according to personal preference. If you prefer a thicker gravy, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few minutes longer. For a thinner gravy, add a bit more chicken stock during cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 685 kcal