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Savory Smothered Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 80 reviews

Savory Smothered Chicken Thighs with rich, creamy gravy offer the ultimate comfort food experience. This dish features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs perfectly seasoned and seared, then slow-baked in a luscious onion-garlic gravy made from a homemade roux, chicken stock, and creamy heavy cream. Ideal for a hearty family dinner with deep, smoky, and well-rounded flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 pieces Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs (drumsticks can be substituted for a different texture)

Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon Lawry’s Seasoning Salt (adjust as needed for dietary requirements)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (fresh garlic works for a more robust taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked paprika recommended for extra flavor)
  • 1 packet Sazon (substitute with ground coriander and cumin if preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper (adjust to spice preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to spice preference)

Coating

  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (swap with gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)

Gravy Base

  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (margarine can be used as a milk-free alternative)
  • 1 cup White Onion, finely chopped (yellow onions or shallots may be used)
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock (homemade chicken stock is best)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (half-and-half can be used for a lighter option)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Pat the chicken thighs dry, then season them evenly with Lawry’s seasoning salt, garlic powder, paprika, sazon, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors deeply.
  2. Dredging: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt if desired. Coat each seasoned chicken thigh thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to ensure a light, even coating.
  3. Searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes to develop a rich color and seal in the juices.
  4. Gravy Base: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Stir in the remaining seasoned flour from dredging to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  5. Simmer: Gradually whisk in the chicken stock to the roux mixture, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens. Once thickened, stir in the heavy cream to add richness and a smooth texture.
  6. Combine & Bake: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, then transfer to a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C). Bake for 45 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
  7. Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and uncover. Spoon extra gravy over the chicken thighs, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for the ultimate comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in both dredging and roux-making steps.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes and black pepper to your heat preference or omit for milder flavor.
  • Use homemade chicken stock for the richest flavor, but store-bought stock works fine in a pinch.
  • For a lighter gravy, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture will be less creamy.
  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensure juicy meat and flavorful skin; boneless chicken will cook faster but lose some richness.
  • Rest the chicken briefly before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Keywords: smothered chicken thighs, creamy chicken gravy, baked chicken thighs, comfort food recipe, savory chicken dinner

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/savory-smothered-chicken-thighs-with-creamy-gravy-recipe/