This Italian braised chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish that comes together quickly. The chicken thighs are seared to give them a crispy skin, then baked in a rich tomato and olive sauce. Serve it with your favorite pasta, some rice, or a crusty slice of Italian bread for a satisfying weeknight dinner that's ready in just an hour!
Ingredients
8bone-in chicken thighs, skin on or off, your choice
½ teaspoonEACH: salt and pepper
2tablespoonsolive oil
1mediumonion, finely minced
4clovesgarlic, chopped
4tablespoonstomato paste
28ouncecan diced tomatoes
1cupcoarsely chopped olives
2tablespoonsEACH: capers and balsamic vinegar
1teaspoonEACH: chopped rosemary and oregano
1pinchred pepper flakes
1teaspoonhoney
Instructions
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
8 bone-in chicken thighs, ½ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
Heat the oil in a large, ovenproof pan over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs to the pan, skin side up, and brown them for 3-4 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook until the skin is brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan. (While the chicken is cooking, prep the rest of the ingredients.)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Pour out all but about 2 tablespoons of the oil from the pan. Add the onion to the pan and let it cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the tomato paste to the pan and let it cook until it has darkened slightly and is fragrant smelling, about 3 minutes.
1 medium onion, 4 cloves garlic, 4 tablespoons tomato paste
Add all the remaining ingredients to the pan and stir well. Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper. Nestle the chicken back into the pan, skin side up. Pop the chicken into the oven and let it cook for 40 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven and serve it right away.
28 ounce can diced tomatoes, 1 cup coarsely chopped olives, 2 tablespoons EACH: capers and balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon EACH: chopped rosemary and oregano, 1 pinch red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon honey