Spring has sprung with these lemon garlic braised chicken thighs! We start by seasoning the chicken and letting it hang out for a few hours so that it’s flavorful through and through. Then we’ll add the chicken to a screaming hot pan and sear the skin and render off most of the fat. We’ll add whole garlic cloves, chicken stock, herbs, and lemon juice to help make a braising liquid. Then the chicken goes into the oven and braises until fall-apart tender. And when you thought I was done, I’ll add a little butter to the sauce to thicken it up and to drizzle over mashed potatoes, rice, or to serve with grilled bread. Crispy chicken skin, tender chicken, and a cozy homestyle braised sauce. Check, check, and check.
What does it mean to braise a chicken?
Braising is a cooking method similar to stewing. The food is simmered in a small amount of liquid in a casserole dish or pot. The liquid that the meat is cooked in can be anything from stock, wine, or juice. The flavors intensify and blend as the meat is slowly braised on top of a range or in the oven. For the meat to develop more flavor, it is often seared in a pan before letting it braise slowly for an extended period of time. This browning process is important because it helps create more flavor. Braising poultry is also called ‘Fricasseeing.’
What ingredients do you need to make lemon garlic braised chicken?
Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken works best for this recipe. Legs and thighs are what I used, but chicken breasts will work too. The timing may vary on those, so keep an eye on them in the oven.Seasonings: We’re keeping things simple with this recipe, but it definitely won’t be light on flavor. You’ll need dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Chicken Stock: I use and suggest using low sodium chicken stock or chicken broth for this recipe so that it doesn’t become too salty at the end.Lemon Juice: just a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to help brighten up all the flavors in this dish.Garlic Cloves: we’re using whole cloves of garlic that we’ll saute in a little oil and then let it braise in the oven with the chicken. This will help add tons of flavor and aroma to our braised chicken dinner.Capers: capers cut through some of that richness with the briny flavor. If you aren’t a fan, you can replace them with Castelvetrano olives or omit them from the recipe.Butter: You’ll want to use cold cubed butter for this recipe. We’ll add the butter at the end to help thicken the sauce a tablespoon at a time.Parsley: just a hint of freshness to finish off the dish.
How to make garlic braised chicken in the oven:
Serving suggestions:
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Other chicken recipes you might like:
Oven Rotisserie ChickenEasy Balsamic Mushroom ChickenOne Skillet Creamy Chicken LazoneOne Skillet Chicken with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
