Creating a meal that is both comforting and satisfying can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially after a long day. However, with Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken, you’ll get a meal that’s simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. This dish transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a succulent delight, smothered in a creamy sauce that just begs for seconds.
Why We Love This Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken Recipe
There are countless reasons why this Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken recipe is a favorite in many households. First and foremost, it’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish welcomes everyone. The melding of garlic and onion creates an aromatic base, while the creamy mushroom sauce brings everything together with a rich texture that’s hard to resist. Moreover, it’s a one-pan recipe, meaning less cleanup, which is always a plus after enjoying a hearty meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish promises to impress without the hassle.
Ingredients about Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken
To make your Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken, here’s what you will need:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for sautéing
How to Make Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken Directions
Making your Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps.
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This enhances the natural flavors and sets a savory foundation for your dish.
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they turn soft and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step helps build a wonderful flavor base for the chicken.
- Now, add the seasoned chicken breasts to your skillet. Allow them to brown for about five minutes on each side. You want a nice golden color that signifies that the chicken is well-cooked on the outside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, low-sodium soy sauce, and chicken broth. Stir until everything is well combined. This mixture will become the delicious sauce that smothers your chicken.
- Pour the sauce over the browned chicken in the skillet, ensuring they are well-covered. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about ten minutes. The goal here is to cook the chicken all the way through until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C. This simmering time allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce and becomes tender.
- Once done, serve hot, drizzling some of the creamy sauce over the chicken for an irresistible finish.
How to Serve Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken
Your Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken is not just a main dish; it pairs wonderfully with various sides to create a balanced meal. Start by serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the savory sauce. You could also pair it with some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a nutritious addition that brings color and crunch to the plate.
For a heartier meal, consider serving it with crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side; this allows everyone to mop up the delicious sauce! To elevate the dish further, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also bring an added layer of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Expert Tips: Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken
To make the most out of your Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken, consider these expert tips:
- Choose quality chicken: Opt for fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor. If desired, you can lightly brine your chicken in salted water for a couple of hours before cooking to enhance juiciness.
- Don’t rush the browning: Allowing the chicken to brown properly is crucial for adding depth to the flavor of the dish. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear.
- Adjust seasoning: If you prefer your dish to have a bit more kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce into the creamy mixture before adding it to the chicken.
- Thicken the sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes toward the end of cooking. This allows it to reduce a bit more.
How to Store Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken
Storing your Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken is simple and will keep your leftovers fresh for another meal. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents any moisture from building up, which could affect the texture of the sauce and chicken.
You can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stove to avoid drying out the chicken.
Variation of Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken
While the classic Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken is certainly delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations! Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
- Vegetable Twist: Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions to enhance the vegetable profile in the dish. This adds both flavor and nutrition.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even Italian seasoning to give your sauce a unique twist. Each one adds a different aromatic quality that can transform your dish.
- Cheesy Delight: For a creamy, cheesy version, mix in some shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella to the sauce just before serving. This elevates the comfort factor and adds an indulgent touch.
- Spicy Chicken: To add some heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use a spicy variety of the cream of mushroom soup to give a kick to your chicken.
FAQ
What exactly is Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken?
Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken is a quick and delicious recipe that turns chicken breasts into a flavorful dish smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, cooked entirely on the stovetop.
How long does it take to prepare Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken?
You can prepare and cook Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken within approximately 30-40 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken?
Using frozen chicken breasts is not advisable for this recipe as they may not cook evenly. It’s best to use thawed, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results.
What can I serve with Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. You can also enjoy it with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Is Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s a perfect dish for meal prepping. You can easily store leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze them for future meals, making it convenient for your weekly meal planning.
Easy Stovetop Smothered Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 3-4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Fresh chicken is recommended for best flavor.
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
- as needed Oil for sautéing Any neutral oil can be used.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and brown for about five minutes on each side until golden.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, low-sodium soy sauce, and chicken broth until well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the browned chicken, cover, and let it simmer on low for about ten minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve hot, drizzling the creamy sauce over the chicken.
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