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Soul Smothered Chicken

This deeply comforting Southern classic features golden-browned chicken bathed in a savory, peppered gravy enriched with sautéed vegetables and aromatic spices. Best served over fluffy white rice, it embodies the soulful essence of homestyle cooking, reminiscent of Houston's urban culinary heritage.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper divided
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups chopped carrots
  • 3 teaspoons salt divided
  • ½ cup butter
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 3 cups chopped yellow onions
  • 1 whole chicken cut into pieces
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it heats, season the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
  • Coat the seasoned chicken in the ¾ cup flour placed in a shallow dish, ensuring each piece is well dredged. Brown the floured chicken in the hot butter on all sides until a rich golden crust forms. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside. Drain the skillet, reserving approximately 1 tablespoon of the butter.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle in the 3 tablespoons of flour, mixing thoroughly with the vegetables. Allow this mixture to cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flour toast slightly.
  • Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth base. Season with the remaining salt, remaining black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil, then immediately lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  • Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the dish to cook for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the gravy has thickened to a rich consistency.
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