Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, but make sure your slow cooker’s big enough. I once tried it in a smaller one, and let’s just say dinner was delayed while we improvised with two skillets.

Is it safe to use milk in a slow cooker?

Yes, but use whole or 2 percent milk so the sauce stays creamy. If you plan long slow cooking, add milk toward the end to avoid curdling.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Absolutely. Boneless chicken will cook faster, so reduce simmering time. Keep an eye on it so it does not dry out.

Does the gravy thicken more as it sits?

Yes. The flour and butter continue to thicken the sauce as it cools. If it becomes too thick, stir in a little chicken broth to loosen it.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch mixed with cold water as a slurry to thicken at the end. These answers come from doing this dish a hundred times and learning what trips up busy cooks. I keep the advice simple because that is what I want when the oven timer starts beeping and someone announces they are hungry.

Easy Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken 2026

Name: Delicious Southern Smothered Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 pieces of chicken (thighs or breasts); 1 cup of chicken broth; 1 cup of milk; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon of cooking oil; 1 teaspoon of paprika; 1 teaspoon of dried thyme; 1 tablespoon of butter

Description

A comforting dish wrapped in gravy, perfect for busy families and weeknight dinners. This smothered chicken combines seasoned chicken, sweet onions, and a velvety gravy for a meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients

Scale

4 pieces of chicken (thighs or breasts)
1 cup of chicken broth
1 cup of milk
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of cooking oil
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 tablespoon of butter

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Instructions

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Lightly press the spices into the skin or surface.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring until smooth.
Return the chicken to the skillet, and add thyme, covering to keep heat in and steam the chicken gently.
Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Stir in butter before serving.
Serve hot with rice or mashed potatoes, spooning gravy over everything.

Notes

Let leftovers cool before placing in an airtight container. Reheats well and flavors deepen overnight.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg