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–+ servings

Tomato Braised Chicken Thighs

Sharon Brown
As the sun sets and the aroma of comfort food fills the kitchen, there's nothing quite like gathering around a table with family and friends. On such evenings, tomato braised chicken thighs steal the show.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 275 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 cup sliced yellow onion
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 20 oz can of crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy here; you want the seasoning to penetrate the meat.
  • Let them rest while you prepare the sauté. If you’ve got time, allow them to sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This step ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the sliced yellow onions. Sauté until they soften and turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Next, throw in the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

  • Now it’s time to introduce the seasoned chicken thighs. Place them skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • This creates a beautiful crust and locks in moisture, making the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Stock

  • Once the chicken has browned, add the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the mixture. The magic is about to happen.

Step 5: Season with Spices

  • Next, add the red pepper flakes, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine. The red pepper flakes will give your dish a gentle warmth, while the thyme adds that aromatic touch.

Step 6: Braise the Chicken

  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes.
  • This slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all those delicious flavors. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and you may find it hard to wait!

Step 7: Final Touches

  • After braising, take off the lid and check the chicken for tenderness. You want it to be fork-tender. If it’s not there yet, let it cook for another 5-10 minutes. Feel free to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Notes

  1. Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Fresh herbs and good-quality tomatoes can elevate the dish.
  2. Don’t Rush It: Letting your chicken braise gently converts tough meat into tender goodness. Good things come to those who wait!
  3. Try Different Proteins: While chicken thighs shine in this dish, you can also use chicken breasts or other meats like pork.
  4. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer it milder, cut back on the red pepper flakes. Everyone has their own heat tolerance!
  5. Taste as You Go: Flavor checks are crucial. You can better balance the sauce with a quick taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 31gFat: 6.7gSaturated Fat: 1.3gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 756mgFiber: 8gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 159IUVitamin C: 709mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 32mg
Keyword Tomato Braised Chicken Thighs
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