Description
This smothered chicken thighs recipe combines bone-in chicken thighs with a rich gravy made from onions, garlic, and chicken stock. It can be prepared in the oven for a quick meal or in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. The chicken is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning (optional)
- 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion (sliced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Season: Combine salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Creole seasoning in a small bowl; rub over chicken thighs, ensuring to lift the skin.
- Brown: Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on both sides for 6 minutes, then set aside.
- Sauté: Add butter and sliced onions to the pot, cooking until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Make Gravy: Stir in mustard powder and flour, then gradually whisk in the chicken stock until smooth and bring to a low boil.
- Cook: Place chicken back in the gravy; for Oven Method, cover and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, then uncover for 10 minutes. For Slow Cooker Method, transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and spoon gravy over the chicken.
Notes
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh with gravy
- Calories: 632 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1157 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 214 mg