Italian Braised Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic
Tender chicken thighs slowly braised in a fragrant rosemary and garlic tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting Italian dinner. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs divided salt, divided black pepper, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces (about 2 lbs) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 3 fresh rosemary sprigs to the skillet, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Stir in 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, cover, and simmer gently for 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Remove rosemary sprigs, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and serve warm with crusty bread or polenta.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Braised Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Italian Braised Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep divided salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Braised Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian Braised Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Italian Braised Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic?
Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a winner! My husband couldn't stop raving about the rosemary flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Cooked for my family, they loved it! Only issue: it took a bit longer than the recipe said.