If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish with rich flavors, Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco is a perfect choice. This delightful recipe takes inspiration from the Italian classic but uses chicken thighs for a more accessible and equally delicious dish. Picture tender, juicy chicken simmered in a savory broth infused with herbs and spices, served over a bed of fluffy rice. With its aromatic ingredients and simple preparation, this Osso Bucco version promises to be a dish you’ll turn to again and again.
Why We Love This Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco Recipe
There’s something undeniably special about Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco. First, it brings the essence of Italian cuisine into your kitchen without the need for fancy ingredients or elaborate techniques. Chicken thighs are succulent and flavorful, making them the ideal choice for slow cooking. They absorb the broth beautifully, becoming incredibly tender. Additionally, the aroma of sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs fills your home as this dish simmers, enticing anyone nearby. It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients for Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco
To create this delicious Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 small carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Rice, for serving
How to Make Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco Directions
Creating Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare this comforting dish:
- Season the Chicken: Begin by generously seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides. This seasoning will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear each thigh for about 4 minutes until it develops a lovely golden-brown color. Flip it over and sear the other side for another 4 minutes. After both sides are browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. The fond left in the pan from the chicken will infuse the aromatics with extra flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in the diced carrot and chopped celery to the skillet. Cook these vegetables for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Mix in Broth and Herbs: Now, stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, and chicken stock. Mix well until the tomato paste dissolves completely. Then, sprinkle in the dried rosemary and thyme. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Chicken: Once boiling, carefully return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them among the vegetables and broth. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium low. Allow it to simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish: Once your Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco is cooked, remove it from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
How to Serve Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco
Serving Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco is just as enjoyable as making it. This dish is best served hot, and it shines when placed over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice absorbs the delicious broth, making each bite comforting and flavorful.
To serve, place a generous scoop of rice on each plate, then spoon the Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco over it, ensuring each plate has a good portion of the vegetables and sauce. Scatter a few more fresh parsley leaves on top for an added pop of color and freshness. This dish is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a light salad for a complete meal.
Expert Tips: Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco
To ensure your Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco turns out perfectly every time, consider the following expert tips:
- Choosing Chicken Thighs: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs as they provide the best flavor and moisture. The bones enrich the broth, and the skin helps to create a crispy texture when searing.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: To streamline your cooking process, chop all vegetables and measure out your ingredients before you start cooking. This prep work makes the entire process smoother.
- Control the Heat: Maintain medium heat throughout the cooking process. Too high, and you risk burning the ingredients; too low, and it won’t cook efficiently. A steady simmer is key.
- Enhance Flavor: Feel free to incorporate other herbs or spices you enjoy. Fresh thyme or a bay leaf can add beautiful depth to the sauce.
- Serve Hot: Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco is best enjoyed straight from the stovetop to the table. The longer it sits, the more the chicken can start to cool down, so serve it hot!
How to Store Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco
If you have leftovers (though this dish is often too delicious to have any!), store your Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco in the following way:
- Cool Down: Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before storing.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco to an airtight container. Make sure to include some of the broth to keep the chicken moist.
- Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within the next few days. It can be kept fresh for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags. Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Variation of Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco
Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco is versatile and can be adapted to fit your taste preferences. Here are some variations you might enjoy:
- Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to include vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. These will add extra nutrients and vibrant colors to the dish.
- Coconut Milk: For a creamy twist, stir in some coconut milk to the broth during the simmering process. This adds a delightful richness and a hint of tropical flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the onions and garlic. This will elevate the dish and give it an energizing kick.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as fresh basil, oregano, or even a splash of lemon juice. Fresh herbs added just before serving can really brighten the dish.
- Alternate Proteins: While chicken thighs are fantastic, you can also try this method with other proteins like chicken breasts or even whole pieces of meat, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
FAQ
What is Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco?
Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco is a savory dish made with chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables and herbs, inspired by the traditional Italian Osso Bucco.
How long does it take to cook Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco?
The entire cooking process takes about 30-40 minutes, including preparation and simmering time.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but the cooking time may be reduced. They will likely cook faster than bone-in thighs, so be sure to keep an eye on them.
What should I serve with Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, but you can also serve it alongside mashed potatoes or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Can I make Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat gently before serving.
Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on Provides best flavor and moisture
- 1 tsp Salt To taste
- 1 tsp Black pepper, freshly cracked To taste
- 2 tbsp avocado oil For searing
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 small carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- to taste Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- as needed Rice, for serving Fluffy rice absorbs the broth
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken: Generously season your chicken thighs with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken thigh skin-side down for about 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for another 4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add vegetables: Toss in diced carrot and chopped celery. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix in broth and herbs: Stir in tomato paste, chicken broth, and chicken stock until the tomato paste dissolves. Add dried rosemary and thyme, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed.
- Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
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