Savory Smothered Chicken Thighs
This dish features golden brown, tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich, savory gravy. It’s a comforting meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table.
- Author: Elina
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 55 min
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- 4 to 5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoning salt, plus 1 tablespoon divided
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder, divided
- 2 tablespoons paprika, divided
- 1 Sazon seasoning packet
- 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Dried parsley, for garnish
- Approximately 240 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) avocado oil or vegetable oil
- 28 grams (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 1/2 large white onion, sliced
- 7 to 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 600 milliliters (2 1/2 cups) chicken stock
- 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- Season the patted dry, room-temperature chicken thighs with 2 teaspoons of Lawry’s seasoning salt, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of paprika, and the Sazon seasoning packet. Rub the mixture onto both sides of the chicken thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine approximately 240 grams (2 cups) of all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of paprika, and 2 teaspoons of cracked black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
- Coat the seasoned chicken thighs fully in the prepared seasoned flour. Ensure each piece is well-coated, then shake off any excess flour. Reserve the remaining seasoned flour for later use.
- Heat 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) of avocado oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook for exactly 5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- If there is excess oil in the pan, carefully remove it, leaving approximately 2 tablespoons. Add 28 grams (2 tablespoons) of unsalted butter, along with the sliced onion, chopped garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, and 4 tablespoons of the reserved seasoned flour. Whisk and sauté this mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to develop a light roux.
- Gradually whisk in 600 milliliters (2 1/2 cups) of chicken stock, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Continue to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the gravy begins to slightly thicken.
- Pour in 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) of heavy cream and continue whisking until fully combined. The gravy should be creamy and well-blended at this point.
- Transfer the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, including any accumulated juices. Nestle the chicken into the gravy so it is well-coated.
- Bring the contents to a boil on the stovetop. Once boiling, cover the pan with a lid and transfer it to a preheated oven set to 200°C (400°F). Bake for exactly 45 minutes. The chicken should be tender and the gravy thickened when done.
- Remove from the oven, uncover the pan, and spoon the gravy generously over the chicken thighs. Garnish with dried parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with gravy
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: To achieve the crispiest skin, ensure your chicken is patted dry before seasoning. Use a heavy-bottomed pan or cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution.