Paula Deen's Smothered Chicken

• 1 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 whole chicken (3 1/2 pounds), cut up, rinsed, and patted dry
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk 

 In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and black pepper. Lightly sprinkle the chicken all over with salt and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour. (Set any leftover flour aside to use in step 3.)

In a large skillet with a lid, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the reserved flour mixture and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and 1/2 cup water. Simmer until the sauce has thickened and is nice and creamy, about 5 minutes.

Return the chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer on low heat until the chicken is tender, about 30 minutes, adding water as necessary.