Tomato-Braised Chicken with Thyme

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chicken thighs slowly simmered in a rich tomato-herb sauce until tender and deeply flavorful. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 2 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for 5 more minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper, then return chicken to the skillet.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken and set aside. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water until smooth, then stir into the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened and coating the back of a spoon.
  7. Step 7: Return chicken to the sauce, heat through for 1 minute, and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Braised Chicken with Thyme 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 Tomato-Braised Chicken with Thyme?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Braised Chicken with Thyme?

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 Tomato-Braised Chicken with Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Tomato-Braised Chicken with Thyme?

American 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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