Smothered Chicken Wings are a Soul Food and Southern Food delight. It is so comforting and satisfying. And what makes it even better is it is so easy to make. Today come with me and learn how to make this soul food classic recipe that is sure to please all. I will show you how to make the most delicious, tender, and fall-off-the-bone smothered chicken wings you’ve ever tasted. This recipe is a soul food staple, perfect for a weeknight meal or a Sunday dinner.
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How to make Smothered Chicken
Choose fresh whole, plump wings for the best flavor and texture. The base for the gravy for this recipe is both cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup. For the aromatics I use onion, garlic and celery but feel free to add the veggies of your choice. Adding red or green bell peppers can bring a different flavor to this southern classic dish. Seasoning is also key for smothered wings. In this recipe I use a combination of my go to seasoning but feel free to use your preference. Once your chicken and gravy is seasoned allow it to slow cook in the oven until your wings are tender.
Ingredients
chicken wings, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, canola oil, onion (diced), garlic (finely chopped), celery (chopped), parsley flakes, thyme. Cajun seasoning, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt
What You Will Need
Oven safe skillet: a cast iron skillet can be used as well for this recipe
Oven safe lid: if you don’t have a lid, aluminum foil can be used.
Instructions for Smothered Chicken Wings
Preheat and Prep
Get your oven heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, prep your ingredients: dice the onions, mince the garlic, and chop the celery.
Seasoning the Chicken and Gravy
Create your magical seasoning mix. Combine garlic powder, salt, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, parsley flakes, thyme, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. Mix until everything’s well incorporated.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, half of your seasoning mix, and the chicken broth until smooth and creamy.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of canola oil over the chicken wings and toss to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle them with the remaining seasoning mix, making sure those wings are seasoned to perfection.
Brown the Wings
Heat a large pan (preferably a skillet or Dutch oven) over medium heat. Once hot, sear your chicken wings to achieve that gorgeous golden-brown color. Remember, we’re not cooking them all the way through, just getting a nice sear. Remove the wings from the pan and set them aside.
Sauté the Veggies
Add the remaining tablespoon of canola oil to the pan, then toss in the onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Add Everything to the Pan
Return the browned chicken wings to the pan and pour over that luscious creamy soup mixture. Give everything a good stir to ensure the wings are fully coated.
Bake
Cover the pan tightly with an oven-safe lid or aluminum foil. Now, pop those wings in your preheated oven and let them cook for 45 minutes. After the first 45 minutes, remove the lid or foil and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes. That extra time allows the sauce to thicken and the wings to become incredibly tender.
What goes with Smothered Chicken Wings?
You can pair so many great soul food classic side dishes with smothered chicken wings. From baked mac and cheese to dirty rice to simple mashed potatoes. Veggies are always a good side to add. Collard greens, fried cabbage or green beans and potatoes compliment the wings adding a freshness to the meal. Top your plate off with homemade cornbread then sit back and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal.
Important Tips:
- Adjust the Heat: Love spicy food? Amp up the Cajun seasoning, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even introduce some fresh hot peppers to the mix!
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other vegetables. Bell peppers or sliced mushrooms would be delicious in this dish.
- Leftovers: Smothered chicken wings are even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld, making them extra tasty.
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Don’t forget: If you’re lovin’ this recipe and want more delicious soul food dishes, grab a copy of my cookbook, “The Best of Soul Food Cooking.” Click the link in the description below!
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