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Smothered Chicken Recipe

Smothered Chicken

Golden-fried chicken breasts smothered in rich, bacon-studded herb gravy for an easy comfort food dinner
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 675

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-style
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • 5 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 4 tablespoons butter for gravy
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for gravy
  • 2.5 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1/3 cup half and half
  • 1 cube beef bouillon or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
  • 2-3 drops Kitchen Bouquet optional, for color

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Meat mallet
  • Whisk
  • Silicone spatula

Method
 

  1. Combine 4 tablespoons flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, and black pepper on a large plate. Set aside.
  2. Cook bacon strips in a large skillet over medium-low heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a plate, reserve 2-4 tablespoons of clear bacon drippings, and wipe skillet clean of dark bits.
  3. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four thinner fillets. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to 3/4-inch thickness.
  4. Pat chicken dry with paper towels, then coat thoroughly in flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
  5. Add reserved bacon drippings and enough vegetable oil to come halfway up chicken. Heat over medium-high until shimmering (about 350°F). Fry chicken two pieces at a time for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to plate.
  6. Discard frying oil and wipe out burnt bits, leaving golden-brown fond in pan.
  7. Melt butter over medium heat, scraping up fond. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup flour to create smooth paste. Cook 1-2 minutes until nutty-smelling.
  8. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and half and half in small amounts, letting mixture thicken between additions. Add beef bouillon, soy sauce, and all seasonings. Add Kitchen Bouquet if desired.
  9. Bring to light boil, then reduce heat to low. Return chicken and juices to pan. Chop bacon and scatter over chicken.
  10. Cover partially and simmer 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and gravy thickens. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. Store leftovers in airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with splash of broth to maintain gravy consistency. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.