Print

Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

4.9 from 79 reviews

Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired braised chicken dish featuring tender, bone-in chicken thighs slowly cooked in a rich tomato and white wine sauce with aromatic vegetables and herbs. This recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional osso bucco by using chicken thighs for a quicker, yet equally satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup carrot, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Sauces

  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Oils & Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and promote a nice crust during searing.
  2. Heat Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering to prepare for searing the chicken and sautéing vegetables.
  3. Sear Chicken: Place chicken thighs skin side down in the pot and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Using the same pot with the flavorful fond left behind, add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until they soften. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Deglaze Pot: Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for 3-4 minutes so it slightly reduces and concentrates in flavor.
  6. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, fresh thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and lemon zest to build a rich braising liquid.
  7. Return Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
  8. Braise: Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let the dish simmer gently for about 1 hour until the chicken is tender, moist, and cooked through.
  9. Taste and Adjust: Remove the lid and taste the sauce, then add more salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
  10. Rest: Turn off the heat and allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best flavor and moisture retention.
  • Make sure to sear the chicken thoroughly to develop deep flavor from the browning process.
  • Simmer gently during braising to keep the chicken tender and prevent the sauce from burning.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary elevate the dish’s aroma but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary.
  • Letting the dish rest off heat helps thicken the sauce and enhances flavor melding.
  • Serve garnished with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Keywords: Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco, braised chicken, Italian chicken recipe, chicken thighs, one pot chicken, comfort food