09/02/2026
Smothered Chicken
Crispy bacon, golden chicken, and a gravy that comes together in one pan.
Ingredients
5 strips thick cut bacon
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
Chicken Dredge
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup breadcrumbs, plain or Italian
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
¾ teaspoon black pepper
Gravy
4 Tablespoons butter
4 Tablespoons flour
2.5 cups chicken broth
1 beef bouillon cube, or 1 tsp beef better than bouillon
1/3 cup half and half, half milk, half cream
1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce, can sub Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
¼ teaspoon ground sage
2-3 drops Kitchen Bouquet, optional
Directions
Mix the dredge ingredients on a large plate and set it aside. Measure out all of the gravy ingredients before you start.
Fry the bacon over medium-low heat until crispy. Take it out, then pour the grease into a heat-safe bowl and keep 2-4 Tablespoons of the clear drippings.
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise, then cover and pound them to about 3/4 inches thick. Pat the chicken dry and coat it well in the flour mixture.
Heat the reserved bacon drippings and enough vegetable oil to cover the chicken halfway. Fry the chicken 2 pieces at a time over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side, until golden. Set it aside.
Pour off the oil and wipe out any black spots, leaving the browned bits in the pan. Melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until a paste forms.
Add the chicken broth and half and half in small splashes, whisking the whole time. Stir in the bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
Bring the gravy to a gentle boil, then lower it to a simmer. Add Kitchen Bouquet if you want a darker color, then return the chicken and any juices to the pan.
Chop the bacon and scatter it over the top. Cover partially and cook on low for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165 degrees.