Experience the comforting flavors of home with this Homestyle Smothered Chicken With Vegetables—a hearty and satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a seasoned flour, then seared to perfection before being smothered in a rich and flavorful sauce, along with a medley of colorful vegetables. With the addition of aromatic herbs and a touch of spinach for freshness, this dish is a complete meal in itself, offering a balance of protein, veggies, and wholesome goodness. Let’s dive into creating this delicious and nourishing dish that will warm your soul and fill your belly with joy!
Ingredients:
- 3.5 pounds chicken pieces (e.g., legs, thighs, breasts, wings), bone-in, skin-on
- 1/4 cup seasoned all-purpose flour (see Note 1)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) pieces
- 4 large carrots, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 4 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) slices
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) slices
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional to add at the final step)
Sauce:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed into 1/4 cup (59 ml) cold water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the chicken pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in batches and sear them until golden brown on all sides. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for 5-6 minutes, or until they begin to soften and caramelize slightly.
- Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot, arranging them among the vegetables.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, then sprinkle the dried thyme over the top. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot, stirring continuously to incorporate it into the sauce.
- Continue to simmer the chicken and vegetables for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Optional: Add the chopped baby spinach to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt into the sauce.
- Once everything is cooked to perfection and the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from the heat.
- Serve the Homestyle Smothered Chicken With Vegetables hot, spooning the flavorful sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Enjoy this comforting one-pot meal with your loved ones, savoring the hearty flavors and wholesome goodness with every bite!
Conclusion: With its tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and rich sauce infused with aromatic herbs, this Homestyle Smothered Chicken With Vegetables is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this one-pot wonder offers convenience without sacrificing flavor. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to delight your taste buds with this hearty and nourishing dish that brings the warmth of home to your dinner table!