Smothered Chicken is a comforting dish full of juicy chicken pieces bathed in a tasty gravy. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and goes well with rice or mashed potatoes!
Honestly, those rich flavors are hard to resist! I love making this on weekends when I have a bit more time to let it cook slowly. It always brings smiles to the dinner table!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs also work well and stay moist. You can even use plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its richness. If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half can substitute, but the sauce might be less creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream or a non-dairy heavy cream works nicely!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. You can swap it out for kale or Swiss chard, but remember, they may need a bit longer to soften. Frozen spinach is an okay choice too; just make sure to thaw and drain it first.
Cheeses: Parmesan is great for flavor. Pecorino Romano is a good alternative with a bit more tang. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can mimic a cheesy flavor and is also packed with nutrients.
Bacon: While the bacon adds a crunchy, smoky flavor at the end, you can skip it for a lighter dish or substitute with turkey bacon. For a vegetarian option, try toasted nuts for crunch!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
The chicken is the star here, so it’s crucial to cook it properly. First, seasoning the chicken well helps lock in flavor. When cooking, keep an eye on the temperature—medium heat works best for even cooking without burning.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- To check for doneness, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is helpful here!
- Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist.
How to Make Smothered Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For Garnish (Optional):
- 4 ounces cooked bacon, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Smothered Chicken recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning each chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Make sure each side is well coated with the seasonings for great flavor.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Making the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine everything and bring it to a gentle simmer. Next, add the softened cream cheese into the skillet. Mix until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Adding Spinach and Cheese:
Now it’s time to add the fresh spinach! Stir it into the creamy sauce and cook until the spinach has wilted. Then, sprinkle in the shredded Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted and well mixed. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
5. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure they are nestled in the creamy sauce. Let them simmer together for about 5 minutes. This step helps the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce!
6. Finishing Touches:
Once everything is cooked through and mixed together, it’s time to serve! If you like, sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped fresh parsley over the top for a tasty garnish. This adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor!
Enjoy your scrumptious Smothered Chicken with rice or bread to soak up all that delicious creamy sauce!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and stay juicy during cooking. Simply follow the same cooking times, but check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with a Lighter Option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. However, the sauce may not be as thick and creamy. To enhance the creaminess, consider adding a bit more cream cheese to compensate for the lower fat content.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the cream and chicken broth to ensure they are well-cooked and flavorful.
