Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco is a comforting, flavorful dish that elevates tender chicken thighs with a rich, aromatic tomato-based sauce. This recipe offers a simple yet elegant meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrot, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Add the chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Step 6: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and lemon zest, mixing well.
- Step 7: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce.
- Step 8: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 1 hour until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Step 9: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 10: Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding tomatoes.
- Serve over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or wide pasta noodles for a complete meal.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks if thighs are unavailable.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, but the flavor and texture will differ slightly. Bone-in thighs provide more richness and tenderness to the dish.
What wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well to add acidity and depth without overpowering the flavors.
PrintChicken Thigh Osso Bucco: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
This Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco recipe presents a rich, tender braised chicken dish inspired by the traditional Italian osso bucco style, featuring bone-in chicken thighs slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato, white wine, and herb sauce with aromatic vegetables and a bright lemon zest finish. Perfect for a hearty, comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrot, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Herbs and Flavorings
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper to ensure the meat is flavorful.
- Heat Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and ready for searing.
- Sear Chicken: Add the chicken thighs skin side down to the hot oil and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same pot, add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze Pot: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to lift any browned bits which add depth of flavor. Let the wine simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, bay leaf, and lemon zest. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Return Chicken: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
- Braise: Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Taste and Adjust: After braising, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Rest: Let the dish rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs add extra flavor and moisture during braising.
- Using a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven prevents burning and ensures even heat distribution.
- Deglazing the pan with white wine lifts all the caramelized flavors from searing.
- Simmering on low heat allows the chicken to become tender and the sauce to thicken naturally.
- Resting the dish before serving improves the melding of complex flavors.
- You can serve this osso bucco with creamy polenta, risotto, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Keywords: Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco, Braised Chicken, Italian Chicken Recipe, Osso Bucco with Chicken, Slow Simmered Chicken, Comfort Food, Hearty Chicken Stew

