What is Smothered Chicken
Smothered chicken, a beloved (soul food) Southern dish, embodies comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal, an easy smothered chicken recipe offers a delicious canvas for creativity.
At its core, smothered chicken consists of tender chicken pieces cooked low and slow in a rich, flavorful gravy. The term “smothered” refers to the cooking technique of simmering or braising the chicken in a savory sauce until it’s tender and infused with layers of flavor.
Traditionally, the gravy is thickened with seasoned flour or cornstarch, and onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs are often used to enhance the taste profile. This is my low-carb interpretation that is every bit as delicious! This recipe is gluten free and grain free and uses supermarket friendly recipes light on the shopping budget and perfect for the whole family.
Related Chicken Breast Recipes: French Onion Chicken / Lemon Chicken Piccata
How to Make Smothered Chicken
Step 1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Coat with olive oil and garlic, and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Set aside for 10 minutes to bring to room temperature before cooking.
Step 2. Season a large cast-iron pan generously with salt flakes. Cook chicken breast fillets until lightly golden (the chicken possibly won’t be cooked all the way through). Transfer to a plate and loosely cover in foil. Set aside. (You can also use a skillet over medium high heat if you do not have cast iron).
Step 3. Melt butter in the pan over medium heat. Add bacon and onions; cook, stirring intermittently, until onions are soft and bacon lightly golden. Remove 1/4 of the bacon and onions to use as a topping.
Step 4. Add the cream cheese, chicken stock, and remaining Cajun seasoning to the remaining onion and bacon. Stir until smooth and lump-free.
Step 5. Add the chicken breasts back to the pan and coat in the sauce. Simmer until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6. Sprinkle the cheese over the top. Scatter over bacon and onion. Cover with a lid and leave to rest until the cheese has melted. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and your favourite sides.
What to Serve with Smothered Chicken:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes serves as the perfect bed for smothered chicken and gravy, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. For the perfect low carb mash, use our creamy cauliflower mash recipe or Fondue Mash from Festive Table.
- Southern-Style Collard Greens: Sautéed collard greens seasoned with bacon or smoked ham provide a vibrant and nutritious side dish that complements the richness of smothered chicken.
- Cornbread or Biscuits: A classic Southern accompaniment, cornbread or flaky biscuits are ideal for sopping up the savory gravy and adding a comforting touch to the meal. (Not low carb but super tasty options for our carb-lovers). Try our Low Carb Bread or Best Keto Bread to mop up the sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes would be delicious. Or even steamed broccoli, cauliflower or cauliflower rice.
Different Ways to Cook Smothered Chicken:
- Stovetop Simmering: The traditional method involves cooking the chicken and gravy together in a skillet or Dutch oven over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together slowly.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: For busy days, the slow cooker is a convenient option. Simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and let it simmer on low for several hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well-developed.
- Instant Pot Efficiency: The Instant Pot offers the best of both worlds—speed and flavor. Using the sauté function to sear the chicken before pressure cooking ensures optimal flavor, while reducing overall cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
You absolutely can. Freeze in an airtight container. Defrost them in the fridge overnight. Gentle reheat in a skillet with the lid or in the microwave.
Next Chicken Recipes To Try
I sure hope you love my keto smothered chicken recipe. Here are just a few more delicious low-carb dinner recipes to try soon.
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Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 250g (2 9oz) skinless chicken breast fillets see notes
- 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) olive oil
- 1 clove (1 clove) garlic finely minced
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) Cajun Seasoning click for recipe
- 1 tablespoon (1 tablespoon) butter
- 100 g (3 ½ oz) rindless bacon finely sliced
- 1/2 (1/2) brown onion thinly sliced
- 50 g (1 ¾ oz) cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup (½ cup) chicken stock
- 1/4 cup (¼ cup) shredded cheddar
- Chopped fresh parsley to serve
Instructions
CONVENTIONAL METHOD
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Coat with olive oil and garlic, and sprinkle with half a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Set aside for 10 minutes to bring to room temperature before cooking.
- Season a large cast-iron pan with salt flakes and place over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breast fillets until lightly golden (the chicken possibly won’t be cooked all the way through). Transfer to a plate and loosely cover in foil. Set aside.
- Melt butter in the pan over medium heat. Add bacon and onions; cook, stirring intermittently, until onions are soft and bacon lightly golden. Remove 1/4 of the bacon and onions to use as a topping and set aside
- Add the cream cheese, chicken stock, and remaining Cajun seasoning to the remaining onion and bacon. Stir until smooth and lump-free.
- Add the chicken breasts back to the pan and coat in the sauce. Simmer until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the top. Scatter over bacon and onion. Cover with a lid and leave to rest until the cheese has melted. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and your favourite sides.
Notes
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
8 responses to “Smothered Chicken with Onion Gravy”
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I made this recipe for our family dinner. Everyone loved it and the flavor was spot on. -
Absolutely sensational meal. We served it for dinner with friends and everyone raved about it. 100% recommend this meal. We loved the Cajun flavours in it too. Thanks Megan -
This was a new chicken recipe for me to try, and it’s one I’ll definitely make again! The rich sauce flavoured by bacon and onion was just perfection. -
Oh Lordy!
We had neighbours climbing over each other to get into our kitchen just based on the amazing aroma of this dish! Safe to say aroma was all they got, it was devoured by the fam!
Smothered Chicken is now a permanent meal on our MadC meal roster 🥰 Meg & Dave as always, another delicious, easy & inexpensive meal! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 -
This is my new favorite chicken breast recipe! It’s super easy to make and the sauce is so so good! -
This chicken with onion gravy looks really tasty! I bet it’s so yummy and comforting. Thanks for sharing the recipe! -
Love the cajun seasoning and this recipe sounds so good, can’t wait to try this ! -
Oh my! This is meal was an absolute winner. The hubby and kids were fighting over the pan I cooked it in. Needless to say it will be on rotation for some time to come. Thank you Megs for another winning dinner!
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