This article is a line-up of some of 10 of the best braised chicken thighs recipes around. Recipes you’ll definitely want to add to your chicken recipe repertoire.
#1 Cast Iron Skillet Braised Chicken Thighs with Potatoes Olives Lemon and Thyme
Chicken thighs seared crispy, then finished in the oven with lemons, potatoes and olives. The result is chicken thighs and potatoes that are tender and juicy on the inside and bursting with beautiful fresh lemony flavor.
When it comes to chicken, my choice is always thighs. That dark meat is super flavorful and super tender. It’s the best part of the chicken in my humble opinion.
And we’re especially fond of braised chicken thigh recipes here On The Ranch.
So What Exactly Is Braising?
It’s simple. Braising is a two step process where bone in, skin on chicken thighs are first seared crispy in oil and then simmered in a flavorful liquid such as broth or wine.
The end result is super tender, flavorful meat with a very desirable crispy crust. Sounds perfect doesn’t it? It is.
What Pan Should I Use?
The key to a successful braised chicken thighs recipe is to make sure you have a good quality skillet that is a champion at conducting even heat. Such as a cast iron skillet or a French Steel Pan.
Both are great choices because they’re both suited to go from stove-top to oven without missing a beat. Braised chicken thighs can be finished stove-top or in the oven.
As I learned in Culinary School, don’t use a non-stick pan for anything much other than cooking eggs, or delicate fish. Non-stick pans simply won’t heat up enough to produce a good sear. They won’t give you the crispiness or browning that want to achieve that Maillard Reaction.
What Oil Should I Use For Braised Chicken Thighs?
Not only is using the right pan important in insuring a crispy outer layer on any meat, so is using the right kind of oil.
An oil with a high smoking point such as safflower oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. All of these are refined oils, which means they’ll get hotter, and they are neutral in flavor. They’re better suited at cooking at higher temperatures, which will insure a crispy fried chicken thigh.
If you don’t get the skin of that chicken crispy enough, it will become flabby when simmered in that braising liquid. Not a good textural experience.
If you’re looking to learn all about smoking points and cooking with different oils, take a look at this article. Lots of good information. And important to learn if you’re serious about your cooking skills.
Braised Chicken Thigh Recipes
So, if you’re like us and love good braised chicken thighs, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll find a great line-up of juicy tender, crazy good ideas.
And if you’re looking for more chicken recipes, don’t miss my Chicken Category. You’ll find lots of great recipes including the most popular chicken recipe, Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan.
Let’s take a look.
Cast Iron Skillet, Rosemary Braised Chicken Thighs
A stove-top to oven one pot meal that loaded with luscious savory flavors in a rich white wine sauce. Easy and quick and delicious dinner recipe.
Braised Chicken Thighs with Porcini Mushrooms, Cherries and Potatoes
Braised Chicken Thighs, made extra delicious with Porcini Mushrooms and Dried Cherries. Adding potatoes makes this a one-pot comfort food meal that your family will devour.
Creole Braised Chicken Thighs In Creamy Mustard Sauce
Flavored with orange, carrots, celery, raisins, onions and oh-so wonderful spices. This braised chicken thighs recipe is impressive and oh-so flavorful.
Crispy Chicken Thighs in a Tomatillo Wine Sauce
Flavorful fork-tender, juicy chicken thighs resting in a tangy Mexican green sauce. A delicious and easy one-pot chicken dinner.
Braised Tangerine Chicken with Star Anise
A seared chicken thigh recipe that’s simmered in an exciting broth of tangerine, Sriracha and star anise.
A beautiful over the top braised chicken recipe that’s perfect for entertaining for your next dinner party. Hearty and with a sauce that’s full of amazing flavors.
Chicken thighs and drumsticks are browned and then braised in Brown Mustard veal demi glace sauce.
This easy braised tarragon chicken recipe is delectable, savory and full of French country ambiance. Use drum stick and thighs for this one.
And from my friend Nick over at Machmeeso Dijon Braised Chicken Thighs
These Braised Chicken Thighs are comfort food at its best. Crispy chicken thighs braised in a Dijon sauce with potatoes. I could eat this every day.
