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Smothered Chicken Recipe – Easy Cheesy Dinner for Family Nights

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This irresistible smothered chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s quick to prepare and perfect for cozy family nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and pound to even thickness (about 1/2 inch). Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. In a shallow bowl, dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown (not fully cooked). Remove chicken to a plate.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. If using, add mushrooms and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of leftover seasoned flour and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer until sauce is creamy.
  6. Return chicken (and juices) to skillet. Spoon sauce over each piece. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If adding spinach, tuck it around the chicken.
  7. Transfer skillet to a preheated 375°F oven. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F). For a browned top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve straight from the skillet.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based cream and cheese. Pound chicken to even thickness for best results. Taste and adjust seasoning before baking. Let rest before serving for a thicker sauce. Try different cheeses or add veggies like mushrooms or spinach for variety.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/smothered-chicken-recipe-easy-cheesy-dinner-for-family-nights/