Description
A comforting and easy smothered chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce with caramelized onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, or pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 yellow onion (sliced thin)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet or cast iron pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is just barely cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden and starting to caramelize.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the sauce to prevent lumps and create a smooth, thickened consistency.
- Simmer Chicken: Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 3-4 minutes to fully cook the chicken and allow the flavors to meld. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.
- Serve: Serve the smothered chicken over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or pasta. Spoon generous amounts of the creamy sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish: Optional — garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Do not overcook the chicken initially to keep it moist and tender.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.
- The cornstarch slurry is essential to achieve a smooth, thick sauce without lumps.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but not dry.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
