Creating Smothered Chicken Thighs with Gravy is simple if you follow these clear steps:
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Brown Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. This step enhances the flavor of the gravy.
- Return Chicken: Place the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Cream: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy thickens slightly.
- Thicken Gravy (Optional): For a thicker gravy, mix the flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the gravy, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Check for Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the gravy is ready, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Following these steps ensures a delicious outcome that will leave your guests craving seconds!