Italian Braised Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Remove rosemary sprigs, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and serve warm with crusty bread or polenta.

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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.

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