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Smothered chicken thighs gravy in skillet with golden crispy skin and creamy sauce

Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy

Southern-style bone-in chicken thighs with crispy skin nestled in rich, creamy gravy made with caramelized onions and fresh garlic. Pure comfort food that's ready in about an hour.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 6 pieces bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon Lawry's Seasoning Salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 packet Sazon seasoning or substitute with coriander and cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour divided for dredging and gravy
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium white onion diced
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 3 cups chicken stock preferably low-sodium
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for searing
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • Shallow dish for dredging
  • whisk
  • Tongs
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Season chicken thighs generously with Lawry's seasoning salt, garlic powder, paprika, Sazon, and cracked black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine about 1/4 cup flour with any remaining seasoning. Coat each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Carefully flip chicken thighs and brown the other side for 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving drippings in pan.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan drippings. Once melted, add diced onion, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Saute for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions become translucent.
  6. Sprinkle in remaining flour (about 1/4 cup) and stir to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute until bubbly and lightly golden.
  7. Gradually pour in chicken stock while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Allow mixture to simmer gently, stirring frequently until thickened, about 4 to 6 minutes.
  8. Stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated and gravy is smooth and velvety.
  9. Return seared chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the gravy. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover skillet with lid or aluminum foil.
  10. Transfer covered skillet to preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165 degrees F and is tender.
  11. Carefully uncover skillet and spoon gravy over chicken thighs. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Chicken must reach 165 degrees F for food safety. Pat chicken dry before seasoning for best browning. Don't rush the roux - a light golden color is perfect. For gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour blend. Drumsticks can be substituted but may need additional 10 minutes cooking time. Gravy can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and reheated gently. Yellow onions or shallots work as substitutes for white onion. Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for lighter gravy. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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