Smothered Chicken

This Smothered Chicken is a comforting and hearty dish made with crispy, golden chicken breasts smothered in a flavorful gravy with crispy bacon. It’s an easy-to-make, delicious dinner that’s sure to impress your family. Serve it with mashed potatoes for a satisfying, soul-warming meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  
  

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  
  

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  
  

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
  
  

• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  
  

• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  
  

For the Gravy:

• 4 tablespoons butter
  
  

• 4 tablespoons flour
  
  

• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  
  

• 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp beef better than bouillon)
  
  

• 1/3 cup half and half
  
  

• 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
  
  

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
  
  

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  
  

• 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
  
  

• 2-3 drops Kitchen Bouquet (optional, for color)
  
  

• 5 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  
  

Directions

1. Fry bacon until crispy and set aside. Reserve 2-4 tablespoons of clear bacon drippings.
   
   

2. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise and pound to about 3/4-inch thickness.
   
   

3. In a plate, combine flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Dredge the chicken in this mixture, pressing the breading onto the chicken.
   
   

4. Heat oil and reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the chicken in batches and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Set aside.
   
   

5. Remove excess oil from the pan, leaving any brown bits (fond) to enhance flavor.
   
   

6. Make the roux: Melt butter in the same pan and whisk in the flour until a paste forms.
   
   

7. Gradually add chicken broth and half and half, whisking constantly until smooth.
   
   

8. Stir in beef bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Bring to a gentle boil and then reduce to a simmer.
   
   

9. Return the chicken to the pan, adding the crumbled bacon on top. Simmer, partially covered, for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
   
   

10. Garnish with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes or a side of your choice.
    
    

Nutritional Value

• Calories: 666 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 26g
  
  

• Protein: 20g
  
  

• Fat: 54g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 35g
  
  

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
  
  

• Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
  
  

• Trans Fat: 1g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 92mg
  
  

• Sodium: 1687mg
  
  

• Potassium: 472mg
  
  

• Fiber: 1g
  
  

• Sugar: 1g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 456 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 11mg
  
  

• Calcium: 60mg
  
  

• Iron: 2mg