Hearty Southern Gravy Chicken

Category: Meals for Every Occasion

Tender chicken coated in seasoned flour, fried until crispy, and simmered low and slow in a savory brown gravy with caramelized onions. Perfect for a comforting meal.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:23:46 GMT
Close-up of juicy chicken thighs smothered in gravy, sprinkled with fresh herbs, served in a dark dish. Save
Close-up of juicy chicken thighs smothered in gravy, sprinkled with fresh herbs, served in a dark dish. | homebitesbyana.com

I learned how to make smothered chicken beside my grandma—and every bite still feels like home. Picture golden pieces wrapped in cozy creamy sauce. No wonder everyone keeps asking for it—it just hits the spot every time.

Why You’ll Love This

This one’s got a secret: it looks and tastes like you spent forever at the stove, but that’s not true. The best part? Once the crunchy chicken gets dunked in super smooth gravy, it turns into something you’ll never forget.

Stock Up For This

  • Butter: Makes everything extra smooth and tasty.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives you that melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Kicks the gravy up a notch.
  • Vegetable Oil: Gets your chicken fried up just right.
  • Onion & Garlic: These set up all the main flavors—don’t skip ‘em.
  • Seasoning Blend: My homemade mix of spices—paprika, a little cayenne, garlic and onion powders, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  • All-Purpose Flour: For a crunchy crust and a thick gravy.
  • Chicken Thighs & Legs: Dark cuts really shine in this dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright fresh finish.

Simple Steps For You

Final Move
Melt in butter to make your gravy extra glossy and throw on some parsley at the end.
Now Let It Cook
Tuck the chicken into the pan, pop the lid on, and let it hang out for around 40 minutes.
Get That Sauce Going
Toss in the garlic, dust on your flour, then pour the liquids in slowly. Watch the sauce come together.
Lay Down the Base
Let onions cook until they turn golden and sweet. This makes the flavor.
Make It Crispy
Pour in the oil, get it hot, and fry the chicken pieces until gorgeous and brown.
First Step
Stir seasonings into flour and set some aside for later. Coat the chicken pieces nice and even.
Grilled chicken smothered in creamy mushroom sauce next to fluffy white rice, topped with fresh parsley. Save
Grilled chicken smothered in creamy mushroom sauce next to fluffy white rice, topped with fresh parsley. | homebitesbyana.com

Best Things To Have With It

Grab some mashed potatoes or spoon your chicken over steamy rice—both soak up all the good gravy. Add garlic-sautéed green beans or some collards for real down-home vibes.

Think Ahead

If you need to make life easier cook this the day before. Stash the chicken and gravy separately in the fridge, then warm them up together when you’re hungry.

Real Comfort Food

This meal feels like a warm hug every single time. It’s a hit for family nights or when you wanna wow your friends. People always leave the table feeling cared for and full.

Recipe FAQs

→ Why should you dry the chicken first?
Drying the chicken keeps the coating from slipping off and helps it crisp up nicely when fried. Extra moisture can mess with browning and texture.
→ Is boneless chicken okay to use?
Although traditional recipes use bone-in chicken for added flavor, boneless works fine. Just keep an eye on cook time since it cooks faster.
→ Why are the onions cooked so long?
Slow-cooking onions brings out their natural sweetness, making the gravy rich and flavorful. This step sets the dish apart.
→ How can I adjust thick or thin gravy?
If it’s too thick, slowly stir in some extra chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer more or mix in a little flour slurry to thicken.
→ What sides work well with this meal?
Pair with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the gravy. Add greens like collard greens or sautéed green beans for a balanced plate.

Tender Chicken Gravy

Juicy chicken cooked in savory brown gravy with golden, slow-cooked onions. It's cozy and delicious over mashed potatoes or rice.

Prep Time
15 min
Cooking Time
65 min
Total Time
80 min
By: Ana

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yields: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

01 1 teaspoon black pepper.
02 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil.
03 1⁄2 cup heavy cream.
04 2 cups chicken broth.
05 1⁄2 teaspoon salt.
06 2 tablespoons butter.
07 1 teaspoon onion powder.
08 1 teaspoon paprika.
09 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour.
10 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme.
11 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
12 4 cloves garlic, minced.
13 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
14 3 pounds chicken thighs and legs, bone-in with skin.
15 1 large onion, sliced into half rings.
16 Fresh parsley for garnish.

Steps

Step 01

Combine flour with thyme, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Set aside 2 spoonfuls.

Step 02

Dry the chicken thoroughly, then coat it in the seasoned flour. Gently shake it to remove loose bits.

Step 03

In a heated skillet over medium-high, fry chicken until browned and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes each. Place on a plate.

Step 04

Leave just 2 spoonfuls of oil in the pan. Gently cook onions over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes until golden. Stir in garlic and cook another minute.

Step 05

Sprinkle reserved flour over the onions and cook for a minute or two. Gradually pour in broth, stirring up browned bits from the pan. Blend in the cream.

Step 06

Put chicken back in the skillet, cover, and cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes until tender. Stir butter into the gravy and tweak the seasoning to taste.

Notes

  1. Make sure chicken is fully dry before coating with flour.
  2. Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid crowding the skillet.
  3. Adjust the consistency of the gravy to your liking by adding more or less liquid.

Required Equipment

  • A sturdy skillet.
  • A wide shallow dish or bowl.

Allergen Information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream).
  • Contains wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 708
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Carbs: 12 g
  • Protein: 38 g