Imagine a dish so tender and flavorful that it transports you straight to a cozy French countryside kitchen. This Braised Chicken with Mushroom recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dining experience. With its golden-crisp chicken skin, rich mushroom sauce, and incredibly succulent meat, this recipe will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary in just one hour.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by patting chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then generously seasoning both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is almost smoking.
- Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy, creating a rich caramelized surface.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side to develop color, then remove from pan and set aside on a clean plate.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, which will enhance the sauce's flavor.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the mushroom and broth mixture, skin-side up.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken braise for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove lid, increase heat slightly to reduce and thicken the sauce for 2-3 minutes, basting the chicken occasionally.
- Transfer braised chicken and mushroom sauce to a serving platter, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, beautiful golden-brown skin.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and better caramelization.
- Don't rush the browning process - letting the chicken skin develop a deep golden color builds incredible flavor.
- When braising, maintain a low, steady heat to keep the chicken tender and prevent drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a sprig of fresh thyme during braising.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
