Best Soul Food Dinner Ideas | Black Folks Soul Food Southern Smothered Chicken

Step 1

Combine the chicken seasoning and the garlic & herb seasoning in a small bowl.

Step 2

Then rub the seasoning mixture onto the chicken pieces, and set the chicken aside.

Step 3

Place 1 cup of the divided flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper in a medium-size mixing bowl or 1-gallon resealable food storage bag.

Step 4

Shake (or mix) the sealed bag to combine the ingredients for a homemade floured poultry seasoning, and set the flour mixture aside.

Step 5

Pour the second cup of flour into a second resealable bag (or medium-sized mixing bowl) and set it aside.

Step 6

In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg, and set that mixture aside too.

Step 7

The chicken will go through a 3-step process from here.

Step 8

First, place the chicken in the bag (or bowl) of seasoned flour and shake or toss to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 9

Second, shake off the excess flour and dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture.

Step 10

Third, transfer the chicken to the last bag (or bowl) of flour and shake or toss until it’s very well coated.

Step 11

Remove the chicken pieces from the bag (or bowl) and lightly brush or spray the chicken with peanut oil or vegetable oil.

Step 12

If using an air fryer with a basket, spray the basket with peanut oil or vegetable oil.

Step 13

Place the chicken into the air fryer, making sure it’s skin-side up. It’s okay if the chicken pieces touch; don’t overcrowd them.

Step 14

Air fry at 360 degrees for a total of 20 minutes.

Step 15

Halfway through, after about 10 minutes have passed, flip the chicken over in the air fryer and return to cooking.

Step 16

Air fry at 360 degrees for the remaining 10 minutes or until the chicken is golden-brown and crisp all over.

Step 17

Keep the chicken in the air fryer on the ‘warm’ setting until the smothered chicken gravy is ready.

Step 18

Add all the ingredients: chicken broth, chicken gravy, whipping cream, flour, chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper in a large pot on low (I used my Instant Pot, with the lid off on the ‘slow cook’ setting).

Step 19

Whisk the ingredients to combine until the gravy mixture is lump-free and the bouillon dissolves.

Step 20

Allow the mixture to heat for 3-5 minutes before it’s ready to serve with the chicken.

Step 21

Serve this Black folks’ soul food smothered chicken recipe with the chicken and gravy in separate serving bowls for each dinner guest to combine on their plate. Or combine the chicken and gravy in one serving bowl.

Step 22

Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or green onion and enjoy!