Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a mouthwatering masterpiece, where crispy skin meets a luxurious sage-infused sauce that'll have your dinner guests begging for seconds. This American-style braised chicken recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that elevates home cooking from mundane to magnificent. With just a few simple ingredients and some expert techniques, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that promises to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once oil is shimmering, carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and start to soften.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in chicken broth and add chopped fresh sage. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, nestling them into the liquid. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove lid, increase heat to medium, and let sauce reduce for 3-5 minutes to concentrate flavors.
- Taste sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra fresh sage leaves before serving.
- Serve hot, spooning sauce over chicken thighs. Recommended side dishes include roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Always let your chicken sit out for 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown skin.
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken thighs. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin, so take your time with this step.
- Don't Rush the Browning: When searing chicken, resist the urge to move it around. Let it develop a beautiful golden crust for maximum flavor.
- Low and Slow Braising: The key to tender chicken is gentle, slow cooking. Keep the heat low and let the chicken simmer in the broth to lock in moisture.
- Fresh Sage is Best: While dried sage can work, fresh sage leaves provide a more vibrant, aromatic flavor that truly makes this dish special.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
