Not-So-Smothered Chicken*
A comforting chicken dish featuring tender breasts cooked in a savory celery and olive gravy, perfect for hearty family dinners and pairing well with rice or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dredge chicken breasts in flour until fully coated.
- Melt butter in a heavy skillet or electric skillet over medium heat.
- Saute chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides.
- Add diced celery and sliced green olives to the skillet, distributing evenly over the chicken.
- Pour water into the skillet and lower the heat to maintain a simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove the cover and continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add water as necessary during simmering to maintain a moist, gravy-like base.
- Serve the chicken with rice or whipped potatoes, drizzled with the gravy, alongside steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding garlic or onion powder to the flour before dredging the chicken. If you prefer, you can substitute the green olives with capers or chopped pickles for a different taste. If you're looking to reduce calories, try using a cooking spray instead of butter, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly. This dish pairs beautifully with Rice Krispies Oven Fried Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Not-So-Smothered Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside whipped potatoes to soak up the savory juices. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus complement the dish perfectly, adding a fresh touch. For a heartier meal, consider a side of crusty bread to mop up the sauce. This dish also works well as part of a larger spread featuring American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. Cover the skillet to help retain moisture, reheating until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Not-So-Smothered Chicken* contains roughly 815 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 82g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but cooking times will vary. Bone-in pieces will take longer to cook through, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You may need to adjust the simmering time to accommodate the added cooking time.
What can I use instead of green olives?
If you're not a fan of green olives, you can substitute them with capers or chopped pickles for a similar briny flavor. For a milder taste, try using diced bell peppers or even sun-dried tomatoes to add a different twist to the dish.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently as mentioned earlier. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months; just ensure it's in a suitable airtight container.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).