Recipe: Patti LaBelle's Say-My-Name Chicken

Say-My-Name Smothered Chicken and Gravy (Patti LaBelle)
Makes 4 servings

One 3 1/2 pound chicken, rinsed and cut into eight pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 medium celery ribs, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
3 cups chicken broth

Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place the
flour in a large bowl. Roll the chicken in the flour to coat, shaking off excess
flour. Transfer three tablespoons of the flour to a medium bowl and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and
cook,
turning halfway during cooking, until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer
to a plate and set aside.

Pour off all but three tablespoons of the oil from the skillet. Reduce the heat
to
medium. Add the onions, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring often, until
tender,
about five minutes. Sprinkle with the reserved flour and stir well. Gradually
stir in
the broth and bring to a simmer.

Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer,
stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and shows no sign of
pink when pierced at the bone, about 35 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a deep
platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Bring the sauce to a boil over high
heat
and cook, stirring often, until thickened, about five minutes. Season the gravy
with salt and pepper and pour over the chicken. Serve hot.