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Smothered Chicken Breast

This classic comfort food transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a rich, tender meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor, using just 4 basic ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4 servings
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds) Look for pieces similar in thickness for even cooking.
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced Yellow onions provide a sweet base, while white onions offer a sharper flavor.
  • 2 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium if preferred. You can substitute some with white wine or cream for extra richness.
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (olive oil or butter) This helps brown the chicken and soften the onions.

Pantry Ingredients

  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Or 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced.
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme Or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour For thickening the gravy.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Season and pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the garlic powder.
  • If the chicken breasts are unevenly thick, pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch.

Cooking

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden-brown.
  • Remove the chicken and add remaining oil to the pan. Sauté the onions for 10-12 minutes until golden, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate browned bits.
  • Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly for 1 minute. Add the remaining garlic powder and thyme, stirring for another 30 seconds.
  • Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps, then bring to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer.
  • Return the chicken breasts to the pan, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), flipping halfway through.
  • Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For creamier gravy, add a splash of heavy cream. You can also enhance flavor using fresh herbs or Dijon mustard.
Keyword Chicken Breast Recipe, Comfort Food, easy chicken recipe, Smothered Chicken, Weeknight Dinner