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Smothered chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Classic Smothered Skillet Chicken

Classic Smothered Skillet Chicken in a deeply savory onion gravy that tastes like pure comfort.
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 38 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large chicken breasts boneless and skinless sliced lengthwise
  • Salt fine-grain for seasoning chicken
  • Black pepper freshly cracked for seasoning
  • cup all-purpose flour divided for dredging and thickening
  • tablespoons garlic powder evenly flavored pantry staple
  • tablespoons onion powder adds depth without moisture
  • ¾ tablespoon smoked paprika mild and warm not hot
  • ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for heat preference
  • tablespoons olive oil neutral for pan-frying
  • tablespoons unsalted butter adds richness to gravy
  • 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced for caramelizing
  • cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • teaspoons Worcestershire sauce adds umami balance
  • cup heavy cream room temperature for smooth sauce

Method
 

  1. Slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create thinner cutlets, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne in a bowl, mixing thoroughly, then reserve 2½ tablespoons of the seasoned flour in a separate small dish.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, and discard remaining dredge.
  5. Place the chicken into the hot skillet and sear for about 5 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked, then transfer to a plate.
  6. Lower the heat to medium-low, add the butter to the skillet, and once melted, stir in the sliced onions, cooking slowly until soft and deeply golden, stirring often.
  7. Sprinkle the reserved seasoned flour over the onions and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  8. Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits from the pan, then stir in the cream until smooth.
  9. Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F and the gravy thickens.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, then serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 260gCalories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 38gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 2.4mg

Notes

Slow-cooked onions and pan drippings are the heart of this dish—don’t rush them. The gravy thickens as it rests, wrapping every bite in cozy, old-fashioned flavor.

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