• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to content

Cooking With Coit logo

  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides
    • Air Fryer
    • Salads
    • Instant Pot
    • Breakfast
    • Drinks
    • Desserts
    • Gluten Free
  • About Me
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides
    • Air Fryer
    • Salads
    • Instant Pot
    • Breakfast
    • Drinks
    • Desserts
    • Gluten Free
  • About Me
  • Contact
×

Home » Main Dishes » Saucy Braised Chicken

Saucy Braised Chicken

Published: Jun 30, 2022 by Justin Coit

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

  • Facebook
  • Reddit

Made with simple ingredients, this Saucy Braised Chicken recipe comes together in a few short steps. Moist and tender chicken braised in a savory sauce, this is a cozy meal bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for a weekend meal, and leftovers are even more flavorful the next day.

A plate with a braised chicken thigh with garlic, olives, onions, and a bay leaf.
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Pinterest graphic of a white baking dish with saucy braised chicken with sliced onions and olives tucked around each piece of chicken.
Pinterest graphic of a plate with a saucy braised chicken thigh with garlic, sliced onions, olives, and a bay leaf beside it.
Pinterest graphic of a close view of a piece of saucy braised chicken with the skin on surrounded by onions, garlic, olives, and a bay leaf.
Pinterest graphic of a saucy braised chicken cut opened, resting on top of braised vegetables.
Pinterest graphic of a close view of saucy braised chicken with olives and onions tucked around them.

This saucy braised chicken recipe will be your new favorite comfort meal. It’s braised until fork-tender and infused in a delicious, flavorful sauce, leaving you wanting more. All you need are some kitchen staples, and you’ll have this meal ready in no time. A combination of bright, savory, and herby flavors, everyone will be reaching for seconds.

Braising is a cooking method where the meat is simmered in a small amount of liquid for a long period of time until it becomes tender and flavorful. For more flavor, the meat is usually seared before braising, which is what we do here in this braised chicken recipe. It differs from stewing as the chicken is not submerged in liquid, so you still get delicious crispy skin on top of your chicken. Want something to soak up all that delightful sauce? Serve this chicken with my mashed cauliflower recipe or air fryer potato wedges recipe. 

Key Ingredients You Need

Ingredients needed to make saucy braised chicken.
  • Chicken — You can use any cut of chicken for this braised chicken recipe. You can break down a whole chicken or simply buy a pack of breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. 
  • Onion — I use a regular medium onion, but you can swap for a yellow onion, sweet onion, or even red onion.
  • Olives — The olives add a salty and tangy flavor to the dish.
  • Herbs — I use fresh rosemary and dried oregano. Feel free to use all fresh or all dried herbs.
  • Flour — This will help thicken the chicken broth into a saucy liquid as the chicken braises. 
  • Chicken broth — If possible, use a low sodium broth to control how salty the dish is. You can always add less salt if you’re using regular chicken broth. 

How to Make Saucy Braised Chicken

Set of two photos showing chicken seared and vegetables sautéed in a skillet.

Step 1: Season the chicken with salt a pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sear the chicken in 2 batches until golden. Place the chicken in a 9" x 13” baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add the onions and cook until they have turned slightly translucent. Add the garlic and olives. 

Set of two photos showing vegetables sautéed in a skillet and flour added.

Step 3: Add the rosemary, oregano, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes and cook for another 2 minutes. 

Step 4: Add the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

Set of two photos showing broth added to the skillet then everything transferred to a baking dish.

Step 5: Turn the heat low and slowly add the chicken broth while stirring. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes while stirring. Add the bay leaves and lemon juice.

Step 6: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish and nestle onions under and around. Roast for 45 to 60 minutes. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. 

A plate with a chicken thigh on top of braised onions and olives, sliced.

Tips For This Recipe

  • Make sure you place the chicken in a single layer. This ensures every piece of chicken is in touch with the sauce.
  • You can broil the chicken at the end for a few minutes to make the chicken skin even crispier. 
  • If you have a large Dutch oven, you can make this saucy braised chicken in one pot instead of transferring the ingredients to a baking dish. 
  • Pat dry the chicken before seasoning, so the salt and pepper stick better to the chicken. It’ll also help you get a nicer sear on the chicken. 
  • Don't use bottled lemon juice for the sauce. Fresh lemons will make the sauce taste more bright, fresh, and flavorful.
Overhead view of a baking dish with saucy braised chicken thighs with their skins on.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you tell the chicken is ready?

The most accurate way of making sure your chicken has cooked through is by using an instant-read thermometer. Make sure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken is 165F. 

How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep the liquid as well! The chicken will be even more flavorful when you reheat it the next day. You can reheat the chicken in the microwave or the oven. 

Can I freeze this?

Yes, you can. Once the braised chicken has cooled to room temperature, you can transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. 

IF YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE TRY THESE OUT!

  • A plate with chicken tenders and ketchup.

    Chicken Tenders Recipe

  • A plate of chicken paillard over arugula and tomatoes.

    Chicken Paillard

  • A plate with a Mediterranean grilled chicken breast sliced with fresh parsley on top.

    Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

  • A white plate with a balsamic chicken breast, sliced.

    Balsamic Chicken

  • A plate with a serving of air fryer chicken fajitas by some lime wedges, guac, cilantro, and tortillas.

    Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

If you’ve tried this Saucy Braised Chicken Recipe, then don’t forget to leave me a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!

Overhead view of a plate of saucy braised chicken with onions, garlic, olives, and a bay leaf around it.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Saucy Braised Chicken

Made with simple ingredients, this Saucy Braised Chicken recipe comes together in a few short steps. Moist and tender chicken braised in a savory sauce, this is a cozy meal bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for a weekend meal, and leftovers are even more flavorful the next day.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time1 hr 12 mins
Resting Time5 mins
Total Time1 hr 27 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 487kcal
Author: Justin Coit

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken cut into 10 pieces (3 ½- to 4-pound)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • 1 cup pitted green olives cut in half
  • 1 tsp rosemary fresh if possible
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 bay leaves
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and season chicken with salt a pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat add the olive oil and sear the chicken in 2 batches until golden, about 3 - 4 minutes per side. Place the chicken in a 9" x 13” baking dish and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the onions and cook until they have turned slightly translucent. Add the garlic olives, rosemary, oregano, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes. Add the flour and continue to cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
  • Turn the heat to low and add the chicken broth slowly while stirring. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes while stirring. Add the bay leaves and lemon juice.
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish and nestle onions under and around. Roast for 45 to 60 minutes.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after it’s done and drizzle with the sauce.

Video

Notes

  • Make sure you place the chicken in a single layer. This ensures every piece of chicken is in touch with the sauce.
  • You can broil the chicken at the end for a few minutes to make the chicken skin even crispier. 
  • If you have a large Dutch oven, you can make everything in one pot instead of transferring the ingredients to a baking dish. 
  • Pat dry the chicken before seasoning, so the salt and pepper stick better to the chicken. It’ll also help you get a nicer sear on the chicken. 
  • Don't use bottled lemon juice for the sauce. Fresh lemons will make the sauce taste more bright, fresh, and flavorful.

Nutrition

Calories: 487kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 1077mg | Potassium: 528mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 493IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mg
*Nutrition Disclaimer
Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @cookingwithcoit and tag #cookingwithcoit!

« Chicken Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles
Air Fryer Onion Rings »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Justin. By day I'm a commercial director and photographer but in my free time, I make deliciously clean comfort food for my family and friends.

Learn More About Me

Follow Us On

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Popular Recipes

  • A bowl of avocado Greek salad with crumbled feta on top.
    Avocado Greek Salad
  • A plate of apple cider chicken over cooked apples and shallots.
    Apple Cider Chicken
  • A plate with four air fryer twice baked potatoes topped with chives and bacon bits.
    Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato
  • A bowl of air fryer Greek lemon potatoes with chopped parsley on top.
    Air Fryer Greek Lemon Potatoes
  • Overhead view of a plate of red curry pasta with shrimp with fresh chopped herb garnish.
    Red Curry Pasta with Shrimp
  • Overhead view of a bowl of butternut squash chili with tortilla chips and sour cream on top.
    Butternut Squash Chili
  • A bowl of air fryer sausage and vegetables with a fork on the side.
    Air Fryer Sausage and Vegetables
  • A plate with air fryer steak bites along with rice, zucchini, and onions.
    Air Fryer Steak Bites
  • Overhead view of a plate of three sweet potato tacos with two wedges of lime on the side.
    Sweet Potato Tacos
  • A plate with air fryer cauliflower wings, celery, and dipping sauce with fresh herb on top.
    Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings

Cooking with Coit Newsletter

Sign up to receive recipes, recommendations and tips straight to your inbox!

    Footer

    back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Recipes

    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Gluten Free
    • Instant Pot
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads
    • Sides
    • Snacks
    • Soup
    • Uncategorized

    Contact

    • Contact

    COPYRIGHT © 2021 COOKING WITH COIT | PRIVACY POLICY