Are you tired of dry, flavorless chicken breasts? Look no further! Braising chicken in liquid is a simple yet powerful technique that can elevate your cooking game and produce mouthwateringly tender results. In this article, we’ll explore 18 deliciously savory braised chicken recipes that will make your taste buds do the happy dance.
From classic red wine and herb combinations to spicy tomato and olive pairings, these recipes offer endless possibilities for flavor experimentation. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting, creamy dish or something bold and international-inspired, we’ve got you covered with our carefully curated selection of braised chicken recipes.
Classic Red Wine Braised Chicken with Herbs
Classic Red Wine Braised Chicken with Herbs: A hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the chicken on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add more oil if needed, then sauté the onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf; cook for 1 minute.
6. Add red wine to pot, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
7. Return chicken to pot, cover with lid, and transfer to preheated oven.
8. Braise for 45-50 minutes or until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened.
9. Remove from oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Garlic Butter Braised Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this comforting and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of butter, pungency of garlic, and tender texture of chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and braise for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Remove from oven and let rest before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes
Tips: Use high-quality chicken broth and white wine (if using) to enhance the dish’s flavors. Serve with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Asian-Style Soy Sauce Braised Chicken
Transform your chicken into a rich and savory masterpiece with this easy recipe. Tender, fall-apart meat is infused with the bold flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or braising pan, combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and chicken broth.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the pot, making sure they are covered with the braising liquid.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
5. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until the chicken is tender and falls apart easily.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Cream
Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Cream: A rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add more oil if needed, then sauté the mushrooms, garlic, and onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the browned chicken back to the pot, along with thyme. Pour in heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
6. Cover the pot and transfer to preheated oven. Braise for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Remove from oven and let rest before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Tomato Braised Chicken with Olives
A flavorful and aromatic chicken dish that combines the sweetness of tomatoes, the spiciness of red pepper flakes, and the savory taste of olives. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Season chicken with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and browned chicken. Cover and transfer to preheated oven.
6. Braise for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Remove from oven and top with sliced olives.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Lemon and Rosemary Braised Chicken Legs
This recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken legs infused with the citrusy zing of lemon and the aromatic charm of rosemary. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
– 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken legs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
5. Add the sliced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
7. Return the chicken legs to the pot and pour in the chicken broth.
8. Cover the pot with a lid and braise for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
Cooking Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 10 minutes
Braised Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce
This recipe combines the rich flavors of braised chicken with the creamy warmth of coconut curry sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 teaspoons curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and curry powder.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and cook the onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth; stir to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the pot; cover with a lid or foil. Braise for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Honey Mustard Braised Chicken with Carrots
This recipe combines the comfort of braised chicken with the tanginess of honey mustard, all while cooking carrots to a perfect tender crisp. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine honey, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken thighs and coat with the honey-mustard mixture.
4. Arrange the sliced carrots on top of the chicken.
5. Pour in the chicken broth to cover the ingredients.
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the carrots are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Braised Chicken with White Beans and Bacon
Braised Chicken with White Beans and Bacon: A hearty, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken, white beans, and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 ounces) of white beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from pot with slotted spoon.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the white beans, chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
7. Remove from the oven and stir in the cooked bacon.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Mediterranean Braised Chicken with Artichokes
This hearty dish combines tender chicken, artichoke hearts, and aromatics in a rich Mediterranean-inspired sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 large artichoke hearts, quartered
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add artichoke hearts, broth, wine (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Braise for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened.
7. Garnish with parsley or thyme. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Braised Chicken and Potatoes in Garlic Sauce
A rich and flavorful one-pot dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and aromatic garlic come together to create a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 6 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add the potatoes, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Return the chicken to the pot and cover with a lid or foil.
7. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and braise for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Smoky Paprika Braised Chicken with Peppers
This hearty dish combines tender chicken, smoky paprika, and sweet peppers for a flavorful and aromatic meal. With minimal effort, you’ll be rewarded with a rich and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in the smoked paprika and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
7. Return the chicken to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
8. Braise for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the peppers are caramelized.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
Braised Chicken with Apples and Cider
This hearty dish combines the warmth of braised chicken with the sweetness of apples and the tanginess of cider, perfect for a cozy fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2-3 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the chopped apples, apple cider, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the apples are caramelized.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Thai Basil Braised Chicken with Coconut Milk
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Thailand with the richness of coconut milk, resulting in a dish that is both aromatic and indulgent. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Thai basil leaves, chopped
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add Thai basil and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Pour in coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return chicken to pot and add fish sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
7. Cover and transfer to oven. Braise for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional Thai basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Braised Chicken with Spinach and Feta
This recipe is a twist on the classic chicken casserole, featuring tender chicken, wilted spinach, and crumbly feta cheese. The result is a rich and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add spinach, feta, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Cover pot and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 30-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional spinach if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Braised Chicken Drumsticks
Satisfy your cravings with this sweet and savory recipe that combines tender braised chicken drumsticks with a rich balsamic glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken drumsticks and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium, add sliced onion and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
5. Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot; stir for 1 minute.
6. Return chicken drumsticks to the pot, then pour in balsamic vinegar and honey. Cover with a lid or foil.
7. Transfer pot to preheated oven and braise for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
8. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Braised Chicken with Lentils and Tomatoes
A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that combines tender chicken, nutritious lentils, and rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the pot and add enough water to cover everything. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Caramelized Onion Braised Chicken with Thyme
This recipe combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and thyme with tender braised chicken, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion. The result is a deeply flavored dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the onions over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
3. Add garlic and thyme; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken and broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Cover skillet with lid or foil and transfer to preheated oven.
6. Braise for 45-50 minutes or until chicken is tender and falls apart easily.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fall in love with these 18 mouth-watering braised chicken recipes! From classic red wine and herbs to spicy tomato and olives, each dish offers a unique flavor profile that’s sure to satisfy. Try Garlic Butter Braised Chicken Thighs for a rich and creamy delight, or Asian-Style Soy Sauce Braised Chicken for an aromatic and savory experience. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and hearty or light and zesty, this collection has got you covered.
