Smothered Chicken Thighs
Tender, braised chicken thighs smothered in a rich and velvety gravy made from pan fond, perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on Bone and skin are essential for flavor and moistness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Use unbleached for consistent browning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt Add to taste later if using low-sodium broth.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Neutral oil helps in browning.
- 1 medium onion, sliced Adds flavor to the gravy.
- 2 cups chicken broth Good quality is key; use low-sodium.
- 1 cup heavy cream Adds richness to the gravy.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Optional, but recommended for umami.
- to taste tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Optional: Leave chicken uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes to dry.
Dredging
- Pour flour into a shallow dish and dredge each thigh, shaking off excess.
Browning
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip and brown the other side for another 5–7 minutes, then set aside.
Sautéing Onions
- Add sliced onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Building the Gravy
- Add chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits.
- Bring to a gentle simmer to meld flavors.
Simmering Chicken
- Return chicken thighs skin-side up to the skillet.
- Cover and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes until cooked through.
Finishing Touch
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serving
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Perfect over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread. This dish improves in flavor the next day.