Description
These smothered chicken thighs are exactly what you need for a cozy Southern-style inspired dinner. Juicy, seasoned chicken thighs are browned until golden, then cooked until tender into a rich, savory onion gravy that comes together in one skillet. This comforting homestyle dinner is completely gluten-free and dairy-free without sacrificing any of that rich, satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2/3 cup gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil, for frying
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted dairy-free butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup dairy-free heavy cream
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Coat Chicken in Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, ground paprika, garlic powder, ground coriander, salt and ground black pepper (Reserve 2 tablespoons of the seasoned flour mixture for the gravy). Dredge the chicken thighs on all sides, shaking off the excess.
- Sear Chicken Thighs: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, 4-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle Flour Mixture Over Onions: Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of seasoned flour over the onions. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth & Worcestershire Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, whisking continuously to dissolve any flour lumps.
- Stir in Cream & Simmer: Stir in the dairy-free heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the onion gravy thicken slightly.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Cook Until Gravy Thickens: Flip the chicken and cover again, cooking for another 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
- Garnish & Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Notes
Chicken: I like using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs because they are juicier and tastier. However, you can also use skin-on chicken drumsticks if you prefer, or chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
Flour: I used gluten-free measure-for-measure flour to keep the recipe gluten-free. However, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use regular flour instead.
Seasonings: For seasoning, I’ve used ground paprika, garlic powder, ground coriander, and ground black pepper to get the hearty Southern comfort food flavor profile. If you would like a little more heat, you can add a pinch of ground cayenne pepper according to how much heat you can take.
Butter: I used dairy-free butter to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular butter instead.
Onion: Onions are a key ingredient in this smothered chicken and gravy recipe, as the onion gravy is major component of the dish. Make sure to cook the onions until they are tender, golden and deeply flavorful as they will help build a richer gravy.
Worcestershire Sauce: If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Chicken Broth: I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth so you can control how salty you want the gravy to be.
Cream: I used dairy-free heavy cream to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular heavy cream instead.
Parsley: I like sprinkling some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Alternatively, you may also use chopped fresh chives if you like.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: chicken, Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American



