– **Title**: Smothered Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet again and set aside. Stir in the heavy cream, cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce is thickened and creamy.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the chicken, and allow it to heat through for a couple of minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your smothered chicken with rice or mashed potatoes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey cutlets work well too. You can even use bone-in chicken for extra flavor, but be sure to adjust the cooking time.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the sauce its rich texture. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, I suggest using half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut milk. Just note that the flavor will change slightly.
Cheese: I usually opt for mozzarella for its melty quality, but cheddar gives a sharper taste. If you’re lactose-intolerant, vegan cheese can be a replacement, but make sure it melts well.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds great flavor and crunch. If you’re vegetarian or want a healthier twist, try crispy sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a similar smoky taste.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is key for color and nutrients. If it’s not available, you can use kale, but adjust cooking time as kale takes longer to wilt. Frozen spinach works too, just be sure to drain excess liquid.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here are some tips to get it just right. Start by making sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps seal in the juices and gives it a nice golden crust.
- Season the chicken right before cooking for optimal flavor.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side without flipping too soon. This allows the chicken to brown properly.
- A meat thermometer is your best friend! Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Resting the chicken for a few minutes after cooking helps keep it juicy, so don’t skip this step!
How to Make Smothered Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
For Garnishing:
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and seasoning the chicken, followed by about 20 minutes of cooking time. Quick and easy for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. This will give your chicken a tasty kick!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and in the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will create a delicious sauce to smother your chicken!
4. Add Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach has wilted down. This adds a lovely color and nutrition to your dish!
5. Incorporate Cheese:
Now, stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is nice and smooth. If you think it needs a bit more flavor, feel free to add more salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon some of that creamy sauce over the top. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes so the chicken can heat through and soak up the flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and fresh parsley (along with thyme if you’re using it) over the chicken for a burst of flavor. Serve it hot with your favorite sides like rice or mashed potatoes to enjoy that delicious creamy sauce.
Dig in and enjoy your smothered chicken!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar work great, you can use any cheese that melts well like gouda, fontina, or even a little parmesan for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind that stronger cheeses may alter the flavor of the dish.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to thicken. For a dairy-free version, consider using coconut cream or cashew cream, but remember this will change the flavor profile a bit.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté them in the skillet after cooking the chicken and before adding the cream. This will enhance the flavors and make the dish even more nutritious!
