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cozy comfort chicken dish

Hearty Smothered Chicken

This classic Southern comfort dish features tender chicken pieces slowly simmered in a rich, velvety gravy until they're fall-off-the-bone tender. The simple ingredients transform into something magical during the long cooking process, creating a deeply satisfying meal perfect for cozy evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 425
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1/2 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 quart chicken broth
  • 1 small onion sliced (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)
  • 8 pieces chicken preferably bone-in, skin-on
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Equipment

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil and sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet with the drippings, add the flour and stir constantly to create a roux. Continue stirring until the flour darkens to a brown color.
  5. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a boil as it transforms into a thick gravy.
  6. Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
  7. Scatter the sliced onion (or sprinkle onion powder) and sliced green pepper over the chicken.
  8. Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 60 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender.
  9. Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to reduce and thicken the gravy if needed.

Notes

For best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces as they develop richer flavor and stay juicier during the long simmer. Don't rush the flour browning step—it's crucial for developing depth of flavor in the gravy.
This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread to soak up the delicious gravy. For a complete meal, serve with collard greens or green beans on the side.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.