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Stovetop Smothered Chicken

A comforting southern classic featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in rich, creamy gravy with crispy bacon.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Seasonings
  • 2 large chicken breasts, halved and pounded to ¾” thick For extra tenderness, opt for organic or free-range chicken.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder For that savory base flavor.
  • 1 tsp onion powder Adds a sweet, aromatic touch.
  • ¾ tsp black pepper Freshly ground is best.
  • Dash cayenne pepper For a kiss of spice.
Gravy Ingredients
  • 4 tbsp butter Unsalted for control over saltiness.
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour For thickening the gravy.
  • cups low-sodium chicken broth Homemade if you have it.
  • cup heavy cream This makes the gravy luscious and rich.
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce A game-changer for flavor depth.
Cooking Ingredients
  • ½ cup vegetable oil For frying.
  • 4–6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled Use a good quality bacon for the best flavor.
  • 2–4 tbsp bacon drippings Reserved from cooking the bacon.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice and pound the chicken breasts until they are ¾” thick for even cooking and tenderness.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
Cooking the Bacon
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside, reserving 2–4 tbsp of drippings in the skillet.
Frying the Chicken
  1. In the same skillet, add the bacon drippings and vegetable oil; heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken pieces and fry for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Making the Gravy
  1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook until it turns light gold, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and poultry seasoning. Allow the gravy to simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
Smothering the Chicken
  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the gravy over each piece. Simmer together for about 3-5 minutes. Top with crispy bacon and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. You can prep the chicken and gravy a day ahead; just reheat gently before serving.