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2 smothered chicken thighs sitting on a white plate

Smothered Chicken Recipe

Savor tender smothered chicken thighs in a rich onion gravy. Classic soul food bursting with bold, comforting flavors in every bite!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Modern Soul Food, Soul Food, southern
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 688kcal
Author: Marwin Brown

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoon All-purpose Flour
  • 2 Tbsp. cooking oil

For the Seasoning

  • ½ tsp. Allspice powder
  • ½ tsp. Smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. Kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. Black Pepper

For The Gravy

  • cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • ½ large onion sliced
  • 2 leeks sliced into thin rounds
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoon Dark Miso

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  • Season boneless, skinless chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, allspice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cover each piece lightly with the flour. Brown in a skillet over medium heat. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics:

  • In the same skillet, add sliced leeks and yellow onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized. This step is key to building a flavorful base. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Build the Gravy:

  • Add a sprinkle of flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in chicken stock, whisking to create a smooth, rich gravy. Stir in a spoonful of dark miso, letting it melt into the onions. Allow gravy to simmer 5-10 minutes. The longer it cooks the thicker the gravy will get. Add water or more stock if you need to thin it.

Smother the Chicken:

  • Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb all that soulful flavor.

Final Touch:

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve hot over rice or mashed potatoes and let the groove take over.

Video

Notes

  • Take Your Time: Don’t rush the caramelization of the onions and leeks. This step builds the foundation of the gravy’s flavor.
  • Adjust the Miso: Dark miso is bold, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. You want the miso to complement, not overpower.
  • Deglaze with Wine: For an extra layer of complexity, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken stock.
  • Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of thyme or parsley at the end can brighten up the dish and add a pop of freshness.
  • Double the Gravy: Let’s be real, the gravy is the star. Make extra for pouring over your sides or for other dishes!
  • Chicken Breast Alternative: You can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs if you prefer. To keep it moist, tenderize the chicken breast and sear it properly before incorporating it into the dish. This ensures the chicken remains flavorful and retains the desired texture, especially when combined with the rich gravy.

Nutrition

Calories: 688kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 235mg | Sodium: 2732mg | Potassium: 956mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2370IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 6mg
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