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Southern Smothered Chicken

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    Southern Smothered Chicken: A Comforting Southern Classic

    Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re about to dive into the heartwarming flavors of Southern Smothered Chicken. This quintessential Southern dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the American South. With tender chicken smothered in a savory gravy, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

    Southern Smothered Chicken has deep roots in African-American and Southern cuisine, dating back to the early days of American history. Traditionally, it was a way to make tough cuts of chicken tender and flavorful by slow-cooking them in a thick gravy made from pan drippings, onions, and spices. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, but its essence remains the same: soulful, comforting, and undeniably delicious.

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    Ingredients:

    • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 1/2 cup (120ml) all-purpose flour
    • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
    • 1 onion, thinly sliced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
    • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
    • 1 tablespoon (15g) butter
    • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried thyme
    • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) paprika
    • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

    Step-by-Step Instructions:

    Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
    1. Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
    2. Dredge in flour: Dredge the chicken thighs in flour, shaking off any excess.
    Step 2: Brown the Chicken
    1. Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    2. Brown the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

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    Step 3: Make the Gravy
    1. Saute the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
    2. Deglaze the skillet: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
    3. Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the whole milk, butter, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
    Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
    1. Return the chicken to the skillet: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, spooning some of the gravy over the top.
    2. Cover and simmer: Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
    Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
    1. Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the chicken.
    2. Serve hot: Serve the Southern Smothered Chicken hot, spooning the gravy over the top. Enjoy with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, cornbread, or collard greens.
    LSI Keywords
    • Smothered chicken recipe with gravy
    • Southern-style chicken thighs
    • Comfort food chicken dinner
    • Soul food skillet chicken
    • Classic Southern cuisine

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