Smothered Chicken Recipe with Creamy Bacon Gravy

Abby Marlow

This smothered chicken recipe brings crispy golden chicken smothered in a creamy bacon gravy. It’s hearty, easy, and perfect for beginner cooks who want a comforting meal with bold flavor.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 4 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

Bacon

5 strips thick-cut bacon

Chicken

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
½ cup vegetable oil for frying

Chicken Dredge

½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup plain or Italian breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
¾ teaspoon black pepper

Gravy

4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 ½ cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon beef better than bouillon
⅓ cup half and half half milk, half cream
1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce or 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

Instructions

Fry bacon over medium-low heat until crispy. Remove and reserve 2–4 tablespoons of clear drippings.
Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then pound to ¾-inch thickness.
Mix dredge ingredients and coat chicken thoroughly.
Heat bacon drippings with vegetable oil in a skillet. Fry chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
Drain oil, leaving browned bits. Melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in broth and half-and-half, letting it thicken between additions.
Stir in bouillon, soy sauce, and seasonings. Simmer gently until creamy.
Return chicken to pan, top with chopped bacon, cover partially, and simmer 10–15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F. Serve hot with mashed potatoes.

Notes

For the best smothered chicken, brown the chicken well before simmering—it deepens the flavor of the gravy. Variation: swap soy sauce for Worcestershire to add a tangy twist.

Keyword bacon chicken recipe, chicken with gravy, easy comfort food, smothered chicken, southern chicken recipe