Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dining experience! This braised chicken recipe combines the rich, hearty flavors of tender chicken thighs, succulent artichoke hearts, earthy mushrooms, and sweet red peppers into a one-skillet wonder that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Italy. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress your family or a food enthusiast seeking a restaurant-quality meal, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Drain the can of artichoke hearts and cut them into quarters. Slice the mushrooms and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves and set them aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes on the other side. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.
- Add the sliced red bell pepper to the skillet and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the vegetables. Add the quartered artichoke hearts around the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the liquid covers the bottom of the skillet but does not submerge the chicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chicken to braise for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You can check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken.
- Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the braised chicken hot, spooning the vegetables and sauce over the top.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy your Italian-inspired braised chicken with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and peppers!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Chicken thighs are ideal for braising because they remain juicy and tender, unlike chicken breasts which can dry out quickly.
- Pat Your Chicken Dry: Before searing, ensure chicken thighs are thoroughly dried with paper towels to achieve that perfect golden-brown crispy skin.
- Don't Rush the Searing: Allow each side of the chicken to develop a deep golden color, which adds incredible depth of flavor to the final dish.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Braising requires gentle, slow cooking to break down connective tissues and create melt-in-your-mouth meat.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or leeks to make the recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 285kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
