Southern Stewed Chicken – How to Make the Best Stewed Chicken
Last Updated on February 14, 2026 by Barbara
If I had to pick a single chicken recipe that defines comfort for me, it would be my Southern Stewed Chicken. There is something about the way the chicken tenderizes as it simmers in a rich gravy that feels like a warm embrace. It is a dish that doesn’t just sit on the plate; it creates a complete meal when ladled over a steaming bed of white rice.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy techniques, just a bit of patience and a few pantry staples. While it’s delicious on its own, I think it truly shines when you surround it with classic sides like slow simmered mixed greens and a scoop of candied yams. It’s an easy to follow recipe that results in a meal your family will keep coming back for. Go grab a skillet and I will show you how to pull this Soul Food classic together.
Watch Me Make Southern Stewed Chicken (Video Tutorial)
Step 1: Ingredients
Ingredients for Southern Stewed Chicken:
Chicken, All-Purpose Flour, Butter, Chicken Broth, Celery, Onion, Garlic, Cajun Seasoning,Garlic Powder, Onion Powder Salt, Black Pepper, Thyme and Canola Oil.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Thoroughly wash and dry the chicken. Season the chicken with the salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder and onion powder and mix until your chicken has been evenly coated.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the canola oil to the pan and using medium heat bring your pan to temperature. Brown the chicken for four minutes on each side then remove them from the pan and set them aside until later.
Step 4: Saute the Vegetables
Remove most of the oil from the pan leaving about one tablespoon then melt the butter. Saute the onion and celery for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to saute for an additional minute.
Step 5: Making the Gravy for the Southern Stewed Chicken
Add the flour and allow it to cook until it has reached a rich brown color. Pour in the chicken broth then season with the Cajun seasoning. Mix well then bring the liquid to a light simmer.
Step 6: Allow the Chicken to Stew
Return the chicken to the pan then cover. Reducing the heat to medium low, allow the chicken to cook for one hour After one hour remove the lid then simmer for an additional 15 minutes. After 15 minutes it is ready to serve.
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken
- 4 Tbsps All-Purpose Flour
- 3 Tbsps Butter
- 4 Cups Chicken Broth
- 2 stalks Celery
- 1 Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsps Salt
- 2 tsps Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Thyme
- Canola Oil
Method
- Thoroughly wash and dry the chicken. Season the chicken with the salt, pepper, thyme,
- garlic powder and onion powder and mix until your chicken has been evenly coated.
- Add the canola oil to the pan and using medium heat bring your pan to temperature.
- Brown the chicken for four minutes on each side then remove them from the pan and set them aside until later.
- Remove most of the oil from the pan leaving about one tablespoon then melt the butter.
- Saute the onion and celery for 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and continue to saute for an additional minute.
- Add the flour and allow it to cook until it has reached a rich brown color.
- Pour in the chicken broth then season with the Cajun seasoning.
- Mix well then bring the liquid to a light simmer.
- Return the chicken to the pan then cover.
- Reducing the heat to medium low, allow the chicken to cook for one hour
- After one hour remove the lid then simmer for an additional 15 minutes. After 15 minutes it is ready to serve.
