It's all about the toppings with these indulgent dinners. Whether it's saucy or covered in melty cheese, everyone at the table will be happy members of the clean plate club.
28 Smothered Chicken Dishes
Updated on Sep. 14, 2023
Smothered Chicken Breasts
After trying a similar chicken dish in a restaurant, I decided to re-create it at home. Topped with bacon, caramelized onions and shredded cheese, this savory dish comes together in no time, and uses ingredients that I usually have on hand. And since it cooks in one skillet, it’s a cinch to clean up! —Brenda Carpenter, Warrensburg, Missouri
1/28
2/28
Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. It's extra special to serve but is not tricky to make. —Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
3/28
Asian Chicken Thighs
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The thick, tangy sauce makes this dish one of my favorite Chinese chicken recipes. Serve the chicken over long grain rice or with ramen noodle slaw. —Dave Farrington, Midwest City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 291 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
4/28
Almond Chicken & Strawberry-Balsamic Sauce
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crispy chicken with a sweet-tart sauce is served alongside wilted spinach for this special meal. I created the recipe many years ago for a contest, and it won the grand prize! It’s easy to make and comes off as very elegant. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 349 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
5/28
Saucy Chicken Thighs
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone raves about how sweet the sauce is for these slow-cooked chicken thighs. They’re such a breeze because they simmer away while you do other things. They’re ideal appetizers, but you can also add your favorite side for a nice meal. —Kim Puckett, Reagan, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh: 319 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
6/28
Creamy Braised Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A smooth, delicate cream sauce gives a special taste to these tender chicken breasts accompanied by pearl onions and sauteed mushrooms. This dish is so rich-tasting, you’ll want to serve it to company.
—Margaret Haugh Heilman, Houston, Texas. Looking for more? Check out our collection of smothered chicken recipes.
—Margaret Haugh Heilman, Houston, Texas. Looking for more? Check out our collection of smothered chicken recipes.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 254 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
7/28
Baked Barbecue Chicken Breast
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend made this saucy chicken for us when we had our first child. I pared down the recipe to make it lower in fat and calories. Now it's a family favorite, and even the kids ask for this baked bbq chicken breast. —Marge Wagner, Roselle, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
8/28
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic lovers will savor every bite of this skillet chicken breast dish. If there are leftovers, note that the flavor intensifies as it sits. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup sauce: 589 calories, 41g fat (21g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
9/28
Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Sunday dinner, since the recipe is so simple to prepare. It's inexpensive besides and loaded with lots of vegetables. —Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 517 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
10/28
Creamy Lemon Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you want an entree that's quick, easy and elegant, you can't beat this one. The lemon cream sauce is what makes it irresistible. It goes so nicely with the chicken and mushrooms. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 381 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 488mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
11/28
12/28
Pineapple Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always on the lookout for low-fat recipes that are scrumptious, too, like this pineapple chicken recipe. Quick-cooking chicken breasts get wonderful, sweet flavor from pineapple, honey and teriyaki sauce. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 247 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
13/28
Chicken in Sour Cream Sauce
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender chicken is deliciously dressed up in a flavorful cream sauce with fresh mushrooms. This is an excellent entree for your family or guests. —Jane Carlovsky, Sebring, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 317 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 1065mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein.
14/28
Flavorful Lemon Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy and delectable meal is bound to become a staple with your family. It's made with everyday ingredients, there's nothing complicated or fancy about this delicious recipe. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with about 1/3 cup sauce: 309 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 36g protein.
15/28
Bruschetta-Topped Chicken & Spaghetti
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always on the lookout for healthy recipes for my family. If you find yourself craving Italian food, this delicious 30-minute meal hits the spot. —Susan Wholley, Fairfield, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1 cup cooked spaghetti : 431 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 3 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/28
Slow-Cooked Curry Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our three children love the spicy flavors found in this Crock-Pot chicken curry. Add more or less curry depending on your taste preferences. —Helen Toulantis, Wantagh, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 353 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
17/28
Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time
8 hours 45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You will have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked chicken with about 1/2 cup sauce: 207 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
18/28
Apple Balsamic Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I just love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamic vinegar gives to this dish. It's easy to prepare and after cooking in the slow cooker, the chicken thighs are tender and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/3 cup sauce: 277 calories, 15 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 103 mg cholesterol, 536 mg sodium, 9 g carbohydrate (4 g sugars, 0 fiber), 25 g protein.
19/28
Tarragon Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is comfort food at its finest. I cook it at least once a week and usually serve it with homemade mashed potatoes and sautéed fresh green beans. —Cher Schwartz, Ellisville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 2 tablespoons sauce: 370 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
20/28
Tex-Mex Chicken with Black Beans & Rice
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this Tex-Mex recipe for my sister who just got her first slow cooker. It’s a delicious go-to recipe for busy days. —Elizabeth Dumont, Boulder, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 590 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 1461mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein.
21/28
Cranberry Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't have to wait until the fall to enjoy delicious cranberry flavor. By using a canned sauce, you can get the flavor in this cranberry chicken recipe no matter what time of year.—Kay Simpson, Hull, Quebec
Nutrition Facts:
12 ounce-weight: 425 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 675mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
22/28
Mexican Smothered Chicken Thighs
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken thighs are a juicier, less expensive alternative to boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They're used to perfection in this Mexican-inspired dish. —Jeanne Trudell, Del Norte, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 301 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
23/28
Chiles Rellenos Chicken
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings (1-1/2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s a little math and a lot of mouthwatering flavor in this simple dinner recipe. The creamy cilantro and lime sauce would taste terrific with rice or egg noodles. —Julie De Matteo, Clementon, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 416 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 43g protein.
24/28
Saucy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued chicken gets a makeover in this recipe. The combination of ingredients makes for a mellow flavor that tastes more grown up than the original. It's fantastic over rice, pasta or potatoes. —Sharon Fritz, Morristown, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 221 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
25/28
Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've had this chicken and broccoli recipe for so many years, I don't remember when I first made it. Serve it with a side of couscous or rice for a complete meal, or add some sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 274 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
26/28
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Thighs in Wine Sauce
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe for its incredible flavor—and it seems everyone who tries it does, too. For an easy pairing, try mashed potatoes and peas.—Heike Annucci, Hudson, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 243 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
27/28
Chicken with Cherry Wine Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My dad's a chef, so I learned to cook at an early age. This saucy chicken was the first dish I made by myself. —Ben Diaz, Azusa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3 tablespoons sauce: 480 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 179mg cholesterol, 418mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 46g protein.
28/28
Chicken Thighs with Tomato-Vodka Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I originally invented this scrumptious dish to celebrate a friend's 21st birthday, and it has since become a quick and easy family favorite. —Karen Kuebler, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/3 cup sauce: 307 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
