Smothered Chicken is a comforting, hearty dish that is perfect for any night of the week. This recipe features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, savory gravy made with sautéed onions, garlic, and spices.

The combination of juicy chicken and rich gravy creates a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking to enjoy a cozy dinner for two, Smothered Chicken is a great option. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Smothered Chicken
Here are the ingredients that bring this dish to life:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish, as they cook up tender and juicy when smothered in gravy.
- Onions: Yellow or white onions are sautéed to bring sweetness and depth of flavor to the gravy.
- Heavy Cream: The base of the gravy, adding richness and smoothness to every bite.
- Chicken Broth: Used to create a flavorful gravy, chicken broth also keeps the sauce from becoming too thick.
How to Make Smothered Chicken
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet with some oil until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Gravy: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until softened. Stir in flour to create a roux, then slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until the gravy thickens.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, cover with the gravy, and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the smothered chicken hot, with plenty of gravy spooned over the top.
Possible Variations
Looking to mix things up? Here are a few ways to customize your Smothered Chicken:
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms along with the onions for a rich, earthy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the gravy.
- Use Different Proteins: If you prefer thighs, try bone-in or skinless thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Cheese: Add a little shredded cheese to the gravy for a cheesy twist.
Why You’ll Enjoy Smothered Chicken

This dish combines so many things we love: crispy chicken, savory gravy, and a comforting, satisfying flavor that pairs perfectly with just about anything. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a crowd, Smothered Chicken is a meal that’s sure to please.
- Flavorful Gravy: The rich, creamy gravy is made from a simple mix of chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings. It’s perfect for spooning over the chicken and any side dishes.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts remain juicy and tender thanks to the simmering process, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Versatile: Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies, Smothered Chicken works with a variety of sides.
What to Serve with Smothered Chicken
To complement the creamy, savory nature of this dish, here are some great side dish ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic pairing with Smothered Chicken, as they soak up all that delicious gravy.
- Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf with herbs can add another layer of flavor to the meal.
- Green Beans: A simple side of steamed green beans adds a touch of freshness and color to the plate.
- Cornbread: Warm, buttery cornbread is a great option to balance out the richness of the chicken and gravy.

Smothered Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet For searing the chicken and making the gravy
- Pot For cooking rice or potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Heat a skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the gravy over the top. Cover and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve the chicken with the creamy gravy spooned over the top. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the gravy.
- Feel free to use chicken thighs for an even juicier result.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice.
Nutrition

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!