Slow-Braised Herb Chicken with Citrus Glaze

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

Tender chicken thighs slowly braised with a fragrant citrus and herb sauce, capturing complex flavors that soak into every bite. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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: 45 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 6 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and sear the other side for 4 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, and 2 sprigs fresh thyme. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 cup chicken broth, and 2 tbsp honey. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken thighs skin side up to the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 35 minutes, allowing the chicken to imbibe the citrus and herb flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove lid and continue cooking for 5 minutes to reduce the sauce until it thickens and coats the chicken beautifully before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Herb Chicken with Citrus Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Slow-Braised Herb Chicken with Citrus Glaze?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Herb Chicken with Citrus Glaze?

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 Slow-Braised Herb Chicken with Citrus Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Slow-Braised Herb Chicken with Citrus Glaze?

Mediterranean 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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