Creamy Smothered Chicken

 

Creamy Smothered Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, well-seasoned chicken with a rich, velvety sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, offering a delicious blend of herbs, spices, and creamy goodness. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, this recipe guarantees a satisfying meal with every bite. The preparation is simple, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced home cooks. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this irresistible dish.

 

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

 

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to ensure proper seasoning adherence.
2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and incorporate all the flavorful bits.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and smoked paprika.
6. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce.
2. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
3. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt into the sauce.
4. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the chicken to serving plates and generously spoon the creamy sauce over the top.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and color.
3. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Creamy Smothered Chicken is a delicious and comforting meal that delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. The combination of juicy, seasoned chicken and a velvety, creamy sauce makes this dish an all-time favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress your family and guests. Try this recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home!