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Smothered Chicken

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Description

Immerse your taste buds in the comforting embrace of American Smothered Chicken—a soulful dish that epitomises home-cooked goodness. Tender chicken, seared to perfection, is enveloped in a luscious blanket of savoury gravy, featuring a medley of onions, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. This heartwarming classic, born from southern culinary traditions, captivates with its rich flavours, promising a delightful journey through the heart of American comfort cuisine.

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

    • Gravy

  • 4 slices bacon (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 onion (thinly sliced)
  • 225g mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • Instructions
    1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C)
    2. Season chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, ensuring even coverage.
    3. In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
    4. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
    5. In the same skillet, add butter to the bacon fat. Sauté sliced onions and mushrooms until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
    6. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to create a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps. Add dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
    7. Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. If desired, broil for a few minutes to crisp the chicken skin.
    8. Remove from the oven, and let it rest for a few minutes. Spoon the mushroom and onion gravy over the chicken thighs.
    9. Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top.
    10. Serve the American Smothered Chicken with Bacon over rice, mashed potatoes, or with your favourite side dishes.
    11. Enjoy the added richness and flavour of bacon in this comforting dish!