Craig Claiborne’s Smothered Chicken

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on all sides.
• Dredge in Flour: In a shallow dish, place the flour and dredge each piece of chicken, shaking off any excess flour.

2. Brown the Chicken

• Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Brown the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, skin side down. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Gravy

• Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
• Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate all the flavorful bits. Stir in the thyme, paprika, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and additional salt and pepper to taste.

4. Smother the Chicken

• Return Chicken to the Skillet: Place the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Ensure that the chicken is partially submerged.
• Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

5. Serve

• Plate and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a serving platter. If desired, you can thicken the gravy by simmering it uncovered for a few more minutes. Spoon the gravy over the chicken and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Accompaniments: Smothered chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery cornbread. Consider adding a side of collard greens or green beans for a complete Southern meal.
• Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make an excellent garnish for added flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for Success

• Marinating Option: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours or overnight before seasoning and dredging.
• Adjusting Flavor: Feel free to customize the gravy by adding other herbs or spices, such as cayenne pepper for heat or sage for an earthy note.
• Using Different Cuts: While the recipe calls for thighs, you can use any bone-in chicken parts, such as drumsticks or breasts, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.

Conclusion

Craig Claiborne’s Smothered Chicken is a comforting dish that celebrates the rich flavors of Southern cuisine. With its tender chicken enveloped in a savory, flavorful gravy, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy weeknight dinner. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the depth of flavor makes it a standout dish that will surely become a favorite in your home. So gather your loved ones, serve this delicious meal, and enjoy the warmth of a classic comfort food experience!