Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken

This Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. It’s made with juicy pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, savory onion gravy right on your stovetop—no oven required. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty and home-cooked without a lot of fuss.

A Brief History

Smothered chicken is a classic Southern dish with deep roots in soul food traditions. Originating in African American kitchens, the “smothering” technique involved browning inexpensive cuts of meat and simmering them low and slow in a flavorful gravy. This method was both budget-friendly and guaranteed a tender, juicy result. Over time, the dish has become a beloved staple across American households

Why You’ll Love It

It’s rich, comforting, and incredibly flavorful
One-pan simplicity makes cleanup a breeze
Customizable—add mushrooms, bell peppers, or hot sauce
Ready in under an hour

Recipe (Serves 4)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until soft and golden (about 8–10 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the onions. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in the heavy cream if using, then return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Garnish with thyme or parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Tips & Variations

Bone-in thighs can be used for deeper flavor
Add mushrooms for extra richness
A dash of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning gives it a kick
Skip the cream for a lighter version

For the perfect Southern-inspired side, try it with these: creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

🍗 Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 240

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion thinly sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thicker sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)

Method

 

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden (about 5–6 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. Add onions to the skillet. Sauté until soft and caramelized (about 8 minutes).
4. Pour in broth and stir up any browned bits. Let simmer 2–3 minutes.
5. Add cream and stir well. Optional: mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add to sauce for extra thickness.
6. Return chicken to skillet. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Final Thoughts

Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken brings classic comfort food to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or just craving something warm and savory, this recipe is a satisfying go-to you’ll want to make again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions