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Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

4.9 from 235 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper to ensure the meat is flavorful.
  2. Heat Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and ready for searing.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Return Chicken: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
  8. 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.
  9. Taste and Adjust: After braising, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
  10. 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