Name: Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme

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Hey y'all! Ready to bring a taste of the South into your kitchen? This Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy is pure comfort food, featuring juicy chicken thighs blanketed in a silky, savory onion gravy. It's the kind of hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal that warms you up from the inside out—ideal for Sunday suppers, busy weeknights, or whenever you need a little home-cooked love. Hungry yet? Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy

Easy, one-pan meal perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
Family-friendly flavors everyone will love—picky eaters included!

Tender chicken and velvety onion gravy create a soul-soothing combo.
Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Hearty enough for dinner, yet elegant enough for guests.

Ingredients for Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs)
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided

1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup all-purpose flour, plus 2 tablespoons (divided)

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions: How to Make Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy

Step 1: Season and Dredge the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

Season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Place ½ cup flour in a shallow bowl and dredge each thigh, shaking off excess.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet (at least 12 inches) over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter until shimmering.

Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden-brown. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes on the other side. Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Onion Gravy

Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions to the skillet and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, for 8-10 minutes until onions are soft and golden.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons flour over onions, stir, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
Stir in Worcestershire and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Smother the Chicken

Return chicken thighs (and any juices) to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 175°F/80°C) and flavors meld.
Taste gravy and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon onions and gravy over chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy hot!

Notes for Making Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy

For extra depth of flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of broth.
Be patient when caramelizing the onions—low and slow yields the richest gravy.

Learn more about caramelizing onions for the best results.

Variations: Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy, Your Way!

Creamy Mushroom: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions for earthy flavor.
Spicy Cajun: Use Cajun seasoning in place of paprika for a zesty kick.

Boneless Option: Substitute boneless, skinless thighs and reduce simmer time by 10 minutes.

Required Equipment for Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy

Large (12-inch) heavy skillet with lid
Tongs

Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk

Storage Instructions (Shelf Life)

Store leftover Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
Not freezer-friendly due to the texture of the gravy and onions.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles to soak up all that luscious onion gravy.
Pair with steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a classic Southern plate.
Don't forget a slice of cornbread or buttermilk biscuits to mop up the extra sauce!

Pro Tips for Perfect Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy

Pat chicken dry before dredging for the crispiest sear possible.
Let the onions cook until deeply golden for a naturally sweet, rich gravy—learn more at Bon Appétit.
If your gravy is too thick, whisk in extra broth a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

FAQ: Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?: Yes! Bone-in or boneless breasts work, but reduce the simmer time to avoid drying them out.
Can I prepare Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy in advance?: Absolutely—it's even better the next day after the flavors meld. Reheat gently for best results.
Is this dish gluten-free?: No, but you can substitute gluten-free flour for dredging and thickening to make it gluten-free.

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Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy