Smothered Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Introduction

Smothered Chicken Thighs with Gravy is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender, golden-brown chicken thighs are simmered in a rich, creamy gravy that’s seasoned with garlic, onions, and herbs. This classic Southern-inspired recipe is simple to prepare and always satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
6. Step 6: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom.
7. Step 7: Stir in the heavy cream and bring back to a gentle simmer.
8. Step 8: Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up, and spoon some gravy over the top.
9. Step 9: Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 40-50 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
10. Step 10: Just before serving, stir in butter for extra richness and flavor.
11. Step 11: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning.
• Use boneless chicken thighs for a quicker cooking time, but keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
• Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or creamy grits to soak up the delicious gravy.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter gravy, though it will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftover smothered chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work best for flavor and tenderness, but you can use boneless thighs or even chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as boneless cuts cook faster.

How do I prevent the gravy from becoming too thick?

If the gravy thickens too much while simmering, simply add a little extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and continue to cook until heated through.

Smothered Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 133 reviews

A classic Southern-inspired dish featuring tender, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs smothered in a rich, creamy onion gravy. This comforting meal is made by browning the chicken, sautéing aromatics, and simmering everything together in a luscious sauce until perfectly cooked and flavorful.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

Gravy

• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme for a flavorful base.
2. Heat Oil: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the chicken.
3. Brown Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the hot skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy, then flip and cook another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Create Roux: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed onion and garlic, stirring constantly to combine and cook for 2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste.
6. Add Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture up to a simmer.
7. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the gravy back to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
8. Return Chicken: Place the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet skin side up, spoon some gravy over the top, ensuring even coating.
9. Simmer: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer for 40-50 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
10. Finish with Butter: Stir in butter just before serving to enrich the gravy with a smooth, luscious finish.
11. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for added color and a fresh flavor boost.

Notes

• Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best flavor and juiciness.
• Adjust seasoning to your preference, especially salt and pepper.
• Simmering low and slow ensures tender chicken and thick gravy.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: smothered chicken thighs, creamy chicken gravy, Southern chicken recipe, bone-in chicken, comfort food chicken