Smothered Chicken – Instant Pot Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a plate of Smothered Chicken. Juicy, seasoned chicken simmered in a rich, homemade onion gravy—it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Traditionally, this Southern comfort food is cooked slowly on the stovetop, but thanks to the Instant Pot, you can enjoy the same flavors in a fraction of the time.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or putting together a Sunday spread for the family, this Instant Pot Smothered Chicken will hit the spot every time. The chicken turns out tender and flavorful, and the gravy is so good, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything on your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast but Flavorful: The Instant Pot saves time without cutting corners on flavor.
• Classic Comfort Food: The rich gravy and tender chicken deliver that stick-to-your-ribs goodness.
• One-Pot Convenience: Cook everything in the Instant Pot—fewer dishes, less mess.
• Versatile Dish: Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or cornbread.
• Family Favorite: Kid-friendly, hearty, and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Southern classic in your Instant Pot:

• 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or legs): Thighs give the most flavor and stay juicy.
• 2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil: For searing the chicken.
• 1 medium onion, sliced: Onions add natural sweetness to the gravy.
• 1 cup chicken stock: The base for the rich, savory sauce.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional): For a creamier, more decadent gravy.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the gravy.
• 2 Tbsp butter: Adds richness and depth.

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This step locks in flavor and ensures your chicken is well-seasoned from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Turn on the Instant Pot and press Sauté. Once hot, add the oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. This not only builds flavor but also helps lock in juices. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Gravy Base

Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté until softened, scraping up the brown bits on the bottom. These bits are flavor gold. Stir in butter and flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until golden, then slowly whisk in chicken stock. The mixture will thicken into a smooth, flavorful gravy base.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the pot, making sure they’re submerged in the gravy. Close the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes.

Step 5: Natural Release & Finish

Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then switch to quick release to release the rest. If using heavy cream or milk, stir it in now for extra richness. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the chicken hot, generously smothered in gravy. Pair it with mashed potatoes, white rice, egg noodles, or cornbread to soak up every last drop.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Dry the chicken well before searing. This ensures a crisp, golden skin.
• Use chicken thighs. They stay juicier than breasts and hold up better in pressure cooking.
• Scrape the bottom of the pot. This prevents the dreaded “burn” notice and adds flavor to the gravy.
• Add cream at the end. Stirring in cream after pressure cooking keeps it silky and prevents curdling.
• Thicker gravy option. If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp cold water) after cooking.

Variations

1. Smothered Chicken Breasts: Swap thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Reduce cook time to 8–10 minutes.
2. Spicy Cajun Smothered Chicken: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
3. Mushroom Gravy Smothered Chicken: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the onions.
4. Garlic Lovers’ Version: Add 4–5 cloves of minced garlic when sautéing the onions.
5. Herbed Smothered Chicken: Stir in fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a fragrant twist.
6. Creamy Ranch Smothered Chicken: Add 1 Tbsp dry ranch seasoning to the gravy base.
7. Tomato-Style Smothered Chicken: Stir in 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes to the gravy for a Southern Italian spin.
8. Bacon Smothered Chicken: Cook 4 slices of chopped bacon first, then use the drippings in place of oil.
9. Vegetable Boost: Add diced carrots or celery along with the onions.
10. Low-Carb Option: Skip the flour and thicken the gravy with xanthan gum or cream cheese.

What to Serve with Smothered Chicken

This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with sides that soak up the rich gravy. Try it with:

1. Creamy mashed potatoes
2. Fluffy white rice
3. Buttered egg noodles
4. Southern cornbread
5. Garlic mashed cauliflower
6. Green beans
7. Collard greens
8. Roasted carrots
9. Biscuits
10. Steamed broccoli

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream to refresh the gravy.

Quantity Suggestions for Family Gatherings

• For 4 people: 6 chicken thighs with 1 cup of gravy base.
• For 8 people: Double the recipe—12–14 chicken thighs with 2 cups stock.
• For a crowd (12–16 people): Triple the recipe and use an 8-quart Instant Pot.

Make Ahead Instructions

• Season Ahead: Season chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
• Prep the Onions: Slice onions and store in a sealed container in the fridge.
• Make the Gravy Base: You can prepare the roux and onions ahead of time, then refrigerate. When ready to cook, reheat, add stock, and continue the recipe.

Smothered Chicken – Instant Pot

Tender, seasoned chicken smothered in a rich onion gravy, all made quickly and easily in the Instant Pot. This Southern comfort food classic is perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread.

5 from 1 vote

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Ingredients

  

• 6 –8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (or legs)
• 2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil
• 1 medium onion sliced
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk optional
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp butter
• Seasonings:
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

 

• Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Set Instant Pot to Sauté, add oil, and brown chicken 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
• Add onions, sauté until soft, then stir in butter and flour. Cook 1–2 minutes, whisk in stock until smooth.
• Return chicken, nestle in gravy, secure lid, and cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes.
• Let naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release. Stir in cream if desired, adjust seasoning, and serve smothered with gravy.

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