Description
Smothered chicken thighs with savory gravy is a comforting homestyle dinner made with juicy pan-seared chicken simmered in a rich onion gravy. Simple ingredients, classic technique, and deep flavor make this an easy family favorite.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken skin-side down and sear for 5 to 6 minutes until golden.
- Flip and cook for another 4 minutes, then transfer chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions to the same skillet.
- Cook onions for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over onions and stir, cooking for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in milk and dried thyme and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling into the gravy.
- Cover and simmer on low for 25 to 30 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Taste gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
Bone-in chicken thighs provide the most flavor and tenderness. Keep heat low during simmering for smooth gravy and juicy chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American