Best Anita Bakers Smothered Chicken Recipes

Anita Baker's Smothered Chicken Recipes: A Delicious and Flavorful Dish

Anita Baker, the legendary R&B singer, not only has a beautiful voice, but she is also known for her cooking skills. Her smothered chicken recipes have become a sensation in the culinary world, as they are not only easy to make but also delicious and flavorful.

What is Smothered Chicken?

Smothered chicken is a classic Southern dish that is slow-cooked until it becomes tender and falls off the bone. The chicken is first seared in a skillet and then simmered in a flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. The result is a rich and savory dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Anita Baker's Love for Smothered Chicken

Anita Baker is a self-proclaimed foodie and has a passion for cooking. Her love for smothered chicken started when she was a child and her grandmother used to make it for her. Anita tweaked the recipe over the years, adding her own unique twist to make it even more delicious.

Ingredients Used in Anita Baker's Smothered Chicken Recipes

There are various smothered chicken recipes out there, but Anita Baker's recipe stands out due to its unique blend of spices and herbs. Some of the ingredients she uses in her recipe include:

• Chicken - bone-in pieces or a whole chicken
• Onions - white or yellow
• Garlic - minced or chopped
• Celery - chopped
• Green bell peppers - diced
• Bay leaves - dried
• Thyme - dried or fresh
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper
• Chicken broth
• Flour - for dredging the chicken
• Oil - for searing the chicken

How to Make Anita Baker's Smothered Chicken Recipe

The following are the basic steps involved in making Anita Baker's smothered chicken recipe:

1. Cut up the chicken into pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Dredge the chicken in flour.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on both sides.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add onions, garlic, celery, and green bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until softened.
5. Add bay leaves, thyme, cayenne pepper, and chicken broth to the skillet and stir well.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and cover with the gravy.
7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the chicken for about an hour or until it is cooked through and tender.
8. Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
9. Adjust the seasoning if necessary and serve the smothered chicken with rice or mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

Anita Baker's smothered chicken recipes are a testament to her culinary skills and love for cooking. Her recipe is easy to make, delicious, and sure to be a hit among family and friends. Whether as a main dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Anita Baker's smothered chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful and comforting dishes.

When it comes to making Anita Baker's smothered chicken recipe, there are some valuable tips that can take your dish to the next level. Let's explore some of these tips below:

1. Choose high-quality chicken

The quality of your chicken will greatly affect the outcome of your dish. Look for chicken that is hormone-free and antibiotic-free. Organic and free-range chicken is ideal as it tends to have more flavor and better texture.

2. Use the right seasoning

Anita Baker's smothered chicken recipe requires a blend of spices that includes salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. It's important to use high-quality spices that are fresh and not expired. You can also add some additional spices and herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor.

3. Brown the chicken

Before smothering the chicken in the delicious gravy, it's important to brown it first. This will create a nice crust on the chicken and help it hold its shape while cooking. To brown the chicken, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on each side.

4. Use a cast-iron skillet

A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe as it retains heat well and creates a nice crust on the chicken. It's also oven-safe, which is important for baking the chicken in the gravy.

5. Make a flavorful gravy

The gravy in Anita Baker's smothered chicken recipe is what makes it so delicious. To make a flavorful gravy, use a combination of chicken broth, flour, and heavy cream. You can also add some chopped onions, garlic, and celery for extra flavor.

6. Slow cook the chicken in the gravy

Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to the cast-iron skillet with the gravy and cover it with a lid. Let the chicken cook in the gravy over low heat for about 45 minutes or until tender. Slow cooking the chicken in the gravy will allow the flavors to infuse and make the chicken moist and tender.

7. Garnish with fresh herbs

To add some freshness and color to the dish, garnish the smothered chicken with fresh herbs like parsley or chopped green onions. This will not only make the dish look more appetizing but it will also enhance the flavor.

In conclusion

Anita Baker's smothered chicken recipe is a classic dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. By using high-quality ingredients and following these valuable tips, you can take this dish to the next level and impress your guests. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness!