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Smothered Chicken Recipe – Easy Cheesy Family Dinner in 30 Minutes

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This smothered chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts, a creamy onion gravy, and a golden layer of melted cheese. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides of chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Lightly dredge each breast in flour, shaking off excess.
  4. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown (not cooked through). Transfer chicken to a plate.
  6. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Stir in sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and golden.
  7. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  8. Sprinkle in any remaining flour (up to 1 tablespoon) and stir to coat onions.
  9. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  10. Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and let bubble gently for 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  11. Return chicken (and juices) to skillet, nestling into the sauce. Spoon onions and gravy over the top.
  12. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over chicken. Cover skillet and simmer on low for 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and cheese is melted.
  13. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with extra onion gravy spooned over each piece.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free cheese. Add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies. Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving for maximum juiciness. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered chicken, cheesy chicken, skillet dinner, comfort food, easy chicken recipe, family dinner, creamy chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/smothered-chicken-recipe-easy-cheesy-family-dinner-in-30-minutes/