Soul Food Smothered Chicken Thighs
Easy, One Pan Southern Smothered Chicken is a quick Southern recipe featuring baked chicken thighs drizzled in brown gravy. This healthy dish is made with onions and spices all in a cast iron skillet.
Servings 4
Calories 466kcal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs I use skin-on.
- 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup sliced onions I used a white onion.
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Ensure the chicken thighs are dry and season the chicken thighs with the Creole seasoning, thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- When hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Sear both sides of the chicken, about 2 minutes on each side. The chicken does not have to fully cook through as it will be baked later.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add the butter to the pan. Use a silicone spoon or wooden spoon to deglaze the pan. Scoop up the brown bits from the pan. It's loaded with flavor
- Add the onions and cook the onions until they are translucent and fragrant.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine for 2-3 minutes. Do not allow the sauce to boil.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer and ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees before removing it from the oven.
- Cool before serving.
Video
Notes
- A pan that retains heat well, works best for this recipe a cast iron or stainless steel pan. If you use something else, results will vary.
- If you don't want to use Creole Seasoning, substitute it with whatever you prefer. The use of Cajun Seasoning is also popular.
- You can use skin-on thighs or remove the skin/purchase the chicken skinless. This is a matter of preference.
- Boneless chicken thighs will require 15-20 minutes of cook time.
- Chicken breasts will require 15-20 minutes to bake at the same temperature. Always use a meat thermometer to check the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Chicken legs will require 20-25 minutes to bake at the same temperature.
Nutrition
Serving: 1chicken thigh | Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 37g