Who says braising chicken is difficult? Braising is simply gently cooking a cheaper cut of meat in a liquid until it transforms into a tender, fall off the bone masterpiece. And with these 36 braised chicken recipes, you’ll find comfort food meal ideas that the whole family will love. Let’s take a look at these one pan chicken dinners I’ve gathered for you.
So What Exactly Is Meaning of Braising?
How do you braise? It’s simple. Braising is a two step process where bone in, skin on chicken is first seared crispy in a neutral oil and then simmered in a flavorful liquid such as broth or wine.
Once the meat is seared, the low and slow cooking process is pretty much hands off, filling your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma that will find you craving dinner all afternoon.
Some of the most commonly braised meat recipes you’ll find will include cuts of meat like chicken thighs, chicken legs, pork shoulder roast (Boston Butt), like used for this Carne Adovada, beef short ribs and lamb shoulder.
The end result is super tender, flavorful meat with a very desirable crispy crust. Sounds perfect doesn’t it? It is.
Braised chicken recipes are some of the most rewarding and easier meals you can prepare. There’s no need to be intimidated by braising, after all, one of America’s best known is old fashioned Sunday Pot Roast.
And more than likely you have all the equipment you need. A heavy pot such as a Dutch oven or cast iron skillet will work beautifully. And even your slow-cooker works like a charm.
The secret is to get a good sear on the meat before seasoning, saucing and cooking.
Braised Chicken Thighs Recipes
When it comes to chicken, thighs are always a great choice. That dark meat is super flavorful and super tender once braised. It’s the best part of the chicken in my humble opinion.
- Cast Iron Skillet Braised Chicken with Olives Potatoes Lemon and Thyme
- Easy Skillet Dijon Chicken
- Chicken Marengo
- Chicken Cacciatore
- Braised Dutch Oven Chicken Thighs with Porcini Mushrooms, Cherries and Potatoes
- The Best Coc au Vin
- Crispy Braised Chicken Thighs in a Tomatillo Wine Sauce
- Braised Chicken Thighs with Leeks
- Caprese Braised Chicken with Cacio de Pepe Zucchini Noodles
- Coconut Milk Braised Chicken with Harissa and Lime
What Pan Is Best For Braising?
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. You can also use a good quality Dutch Oven to make these a one pan chicken recipe.
All are great choices because they’re suited to go from stove-top to oven without missing a beat. Braised chicken can be finished stove-top or in the oven for an easy one pan dinner.
Pro tip: Always pat chicken dry with a paper towel before adding to the hot oil. Removing moisture will yield a quicker and crispier sear.
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 hot enough to produce a good sear. They won’t give you the crispiness or browning that want to achieve that Maillard Reaction.
… More braised Chicken Thigh Recipes
- Cajun Braised Chicken Thighs
- Braised Tangerine Chicken with Star Anise
- Dutch Oven Chicken Thighs with Lemon Sage Butter Sauce
- Braised Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms
- Mediterranean Braised Chicken Casserole
- Cast Iron Skillet, Rosemary Braised Chicken Thighs
- Dijon Braised Chicken Thighs
- Braised Chicken Thighs with Carrots and Potatoes
- Chipotle Braised Chicken Thighs with Tequila Cream Sauce
- One Pan Braised Chicken with White Beans and Cabbage
What Oil Should I Use For Braising Chicken?
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.
Pro-tip: Hot pan, cold oil. Always heat your pan before adding cold oil. Then wait until the oil is shimmering before adding your meat to sear. Hot oil will yield a quicker and crispier sear.
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.
With that said, let’s take a look at this lineup of some more recipes for the best braised chicken recipes from around the internet.
Braised Chicken Legs and Thighs Recipes
- Chicken Chasseur, Hunter’s Chicken
- Braised Tarragon Chicken Recipe With Tomatoes
- Braised Chicken Legs with Bacon Cream Sauce
Braised Chicken Quarters
Chicken quarters refer to the whole leg of a chicken. Where the thigh the drumstick are left intact, rather than separated. Chicken quarters generally include less than a quarter of the chicken and includes a portion of the back of the chicken. Chicken quarters are dark meat and another great choice for braising chicken.
- Dutch Oven Braised Chicken with Mandarin Oranges
- Stove-top Braised Lemon Artichoke Chicken
- Braised Chicken with Olives Capers and Prunes
- Sticky Lips Chicken
Braised Chicken Breast Recipes
Chicken breast, the king of white meat, can also be finicky and easy to dry out. With some recipes, the breast can be tricky to keep moist and tender. Braising chicken breast, slow cooked, works beautifully with bone-in skin-on chicken breasts. But braised chicken breast can also work for boneless, skinless chicken breast.
- Tuscan Braised Chicken Breasts
- Lemon Rosemary Braised Chicken Breasts
- One Pan Braised Chicken Breasts and Vegetables
- Quick Braised French Onion Chicken
- Peanut Braised Chicken Breasts
Braised Chicken Wings
Braised Chicken Tacos
So, if you’re like us and love braised chicken dishes, you’ve come to the right place. This list for braised chicken recipes will give you something for everybody. And don’t forget you can braise a whole cut up chicken, like this recipe for Braised Chicken with Apples.
And if you’re looking for more chicken recipes, don’t miss my Chicken Category. You’ll find lots of great chicken recipes for dinner.
