Indulge in the heartwarming embrace of Southern comfort with our unique rendition of Smothered Chicken. This recipe is a testament to the fusion of crisp bacon, tender chicken, and a velvety gravy infused with a medley of spices. It’s the kind of dish that beckons you home with its tantalizing aroma, promising warmth and satisfaction after a long day. Embrace the culinary magic of the South with this delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 2-3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 ½ cups of whole milk
- 1 ½ cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/2 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley or thyme
Instructions:
- Begin by crisping up the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches a rich, golden brown. Once done, chop the bacon into savory morsels and set them aside, making sure to preserve the bacon grease in the skillet.
- In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this seasoned flour mixture for later use.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Dredge each chicken breast in the remaining seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Melt a tablespoon of butter in the skillet containing the bacon grease over medium heat. Add the dredged chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until they achieve a gorgeous golden hue on both sides. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate.
- If there’s not enough fat left in the skillet (aim for about 4 tablespoons), melt additional butter to make up the difference. Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the reserved flour mixture, ensuring to scrape up all those flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk and chicken broth, alternating between the two while whisking constantly. This will form the base of your sumptuous gravy.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and allow them to simmer in the gravy for approximately 10 minutes, ensuring they’re thoroughly warmed and cooked through.
- To finish, sprinkle the chopped bacon over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, our rendition of Southern Smothered Chicken is a testament to the soulful essence of Southern comfort cuisine. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a journey through the flavors and traditions of the South, crafted with care and passion. From the crispy bacon to the tender chicken enveloped in a velvety gravy bursting with aromatic spices, each element harmonizes to create a symphony of taste that delights the senses and warms the heart. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weeknight dinner or shared with loved ones during a gathering, this dish has the power to evoke feelings of joy, nostalgia, and contentment. So, embrace the spirit of Southern hospitality, gather around the table, and savor every moment shared over a plate of this delectable Southern Smothered Chicken.
image source : Small Town Woman
