Transform Dry Leftovers: How To Make The Ultimate Smothered Chicken From Fried Scraps

Fried chicken, a beloved comfort food, often leaves us with delectable leftovers. But what’s better than leftover fried chicken? Smothered chicken, of course! This delectable dish transforms those crispy leftovers into a savory, mouthwatering experience.

Ingredients:

• Leftover fried chicken (boneless or bone-in)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

2. Add the Fried Chicken: Place the leftover fried chicken in the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.

3. Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.

4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened.

5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If desired, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

6. Serve: Ladle the smothered chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

Tips:

• Use any type of leftover fried chicken you have on hand, whether it’s boneless or bone-in.
• Add other vegetables to your liking, such as mushrooms, celery, or carrots.
• Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute milk or evaporated milk.

Variations:

• Creamy Smothered Chicken: Add 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the sauce for a richer, creamier flavor.
• Mustard Smothered Chicken: Stir in 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a tangy twist.
• Barbecue Smothered Chicken: Replace the chicken broth with barbecue sauce and add a few drops of liquid smoke.

Healthier Options:

• Use grilled or baked chicken instead of fried chicken for a healthier alternative.
• Swap out the heavy cream for low-fat milk or skim milk.
• Add more vegetables to the dish to increase its nutritional value.

Serving Suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to smothered chicken.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice is a great option for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Pasta: Serve the smothered chicken over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or macaroni.

Key Points:

Transforming leftover fried chicken into smothered chicken is an easy and delicious way to elevate a classic comfort food. With its savory sauce, tender chicken, and customizable variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So next time you have leftover fried chicken, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and experience the smothered chicken nirvana.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Can I use boneless or bone-in fried chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use either boneless or bone-in fried chicken.

Q: What other vegetables can I add to the smothered chicken?
A: You can add any vegetables you like, such as mushrooms, celery, carrots, or green beans.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: You can thicken the sauce by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and stirring until the desired consistency is reached.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute milk or evaporated milk for the heavy cream.

Q: How long can I store the smothered chicken?
A: The smothered chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.