Harlem-Style Smothered Chicken Delight

Welcome to Love With Recipes, where we celebrate the culinary heritage of heartwarming, delicious meals. Today, we’re diving into a classic comfort dish that has been loved and cherished through generations—Sylvia’s Smothered Chicken. This recipe brings a taste of Harlem’s soul food right into your kitchen. Let’s embark on a flavorful journey that captures the essence of Sylvia’s renowned restaurant.

Sylvia’s Smothered Chicken Recipe 🍗🍽️

Description:

This recipe for Sylvia’s Smothered Chicken is a treasured gem, inspired by the best smothered chicken I have ever had at Sylvia’s restaurant in Harlem. This recipe, sourced from Sylvia’s own cookbook, ensures that you can recreate that same magic at home. It’s a rich, hearty dish that embodies the soul of Southern cooking, perfect for a cozy brunch or a family dinner.

Preparation and Cooking Times:

Servings:

This recipe serves 8 people.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 1120.9 kcal
• Fat: 73.9 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 297.9 mg
• Sodium: 1453.1 mg
• Carbohydrates: 31.4 g
• Fiber: 2.4 g
• Sugars: 2.6 g
• Protein: 78.1 g

Ingredients:

• 2 frying chickens, cut into pieces
• 4 teaspoons salt, divided
• 4 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper, divided
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 2 green bell peppers, sliced into strips
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Trim the excess fat from the chicken pieces and sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. This seasoning will infuse the chicken with a delightful base flavor.

2. Dredge in Flour:

   • Season 2 cups of the flour with the remaining salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour until coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour to ensure an even coating.

3. Heat the Skillet:

   • Over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil in a heavy, deep skillet. A cast-iron skillet works best for this recipe, as it retains heat evenly. Test the oil by dipping the edge of a chicken piece; it should sizzle lively.

4. Fry the Chicken:

   • Carefully add as many chicken pieces to the skillet as you can without them touching. Fry the chicken until it is browned on all sides, about 6 minutes. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain a lively sizzle without overbrowning.
   • Remove the fried chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.

5. Prepare the Gravy Base:

   • Pour off all but 4 tablespoons of the drippings from the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions, green bell peppers, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are brown and tender, about 10 minutes.

6. Make the Gravy:

   • Move the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour over the empty side of the skillet. Cook the flour until it turns golden brown, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let the flour burn.
   • Slowly pour in the water, stirring until the gravy is smooth and thickened.

7. Combine Chicken and Gravy:

   • Divide the fried chicken pieces between two heavy skillets with lids, or place them all in a large heavy Dutch oven. Pour the gravy and vegetables over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated. Cover tightly with the lid.

8. Simmer to Perfection:

   • Simmer over low heat until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

9. Final Touch:

   • Check the seasoning of the gravy and add salt and pepper as necessary to taste. This final adjustment ensures a perfectly balanced flavor.

10. Serve:

    • Serve the smothered chicken hot, spooning some of the rich gravy and vegetables over each piece. Pass the extra gravy at the table for those who crave even more deliciousness.

Sylvia’s Smothered Chicken is a dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Its rich, savory flavors and tender, juicy chicken pieces are perfect for a family gathering or a special brunch. We hope this recipe brings a taste of Harlem’s soul food to your table and creates cherished memories with every bite. Enjoy! 🍗🥳✨