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Smothered Chicken Thighs Gravy

Crispy chicken thighs topped with savory onion gravy, perfect over mashed potatoes for comfort.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 5 thighs for larger servings
  • 2 teaspoons Lawry's seasoning salt for chicken seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Lawry's seasoning salt for flour mixture
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder divided
  • 2 tablespoons paprika divided
  • 1 packet Sazon seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour 240 grams
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or vegetable oil 30 milliliters
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 28 grams
  • 1/2 large white onion sliced
  • 7 garlic cloves finely chopped, or 8 cloves
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken stock 600 milliliters
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream 120 milliliters
  • Dried parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet or pan
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken thighs completely dry and bring to room temperature. Season both sides with 2 teaspoons Lawry's seasoning salt, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, and 1 Sazon packet. Rub mixture thoroughly onto chicken.
  3. In a bowl, combine flour with 1 tablespoon Lawry's seasoning salt, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper. Whisk until evenly distributed.
  4. Coat each seasoned chicken thigh completely in the prepared flour mixture, shaking off excess. Reserve remaining seasoned flour for gravy.
  5. Heat oil in large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  6. Remove excess oil from pan, leaving approximately 2 tablespoons. Add butter, sliced onion, chopped garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, and 4 tablespoons of the reserved seasoned flour. Whisk constantly and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes to create a light roux.
  7. Gradually whisk in chicken stock, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until gravy begins to thicken.
  8. Pour in heavy cream and continue whisking until fully incorporated and smooth.
  9. Return seared chicken thighs to the pan along with any accumulated juices, nestling them into the gravy.
  10. Bring contents to a boil on stovetop. Cover pan tightly and transfer to preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes until chicken is cooked through and gravy has thickened.
  11. Remove from oven and uncover. Spoon gravy generously over each chicken thigh, garnish with dried parsley, and serve immediately with mashed potatoes.

Notes

For optimal flavor, ensure chicken is browned thoroughly before baking to enhance richness of gravy. Contains gluten (wheat flour) and dairy (butter, heavy cream). Gravy will thicken as it cools. Add a splash of chicken stock when reheating if needed.
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