Velvet Wine-Braised Chicken with Herb-Infused Potatoes
Tender chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant red wine reduction, resting atop potatoes that have fully absorbed the herb-infused liquid for a deeply flavorful one-pan meal. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, dry red wine, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken thighs
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely diced shallot
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 lb, cut into 1/2-inch cubes russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp, leaves only fresh thyme
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; sear chicken thighs for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Add 1 diced shallot and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant, then stir in 1 cup dry red wine and 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits for 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Step 4: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the liquid, then scatter 1 lb cubed potatoes around them; sprinkle with 2 tbsp fresh thyme, cover with a lid, and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes until potatoes are tender and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Step 5: Remove lid, increase heat to high, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce until it coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Velvet Wine-Braised Chicken with Herb-Infused Potatoes 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 Velvet Wine-Braised Chicken with Herb-Infused Potatoes?
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 chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Velvet Wine-Braised Chicken with Herb-Infused Potatoes?
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 Velvet Wine-Braised Chicken with Herb-Infused Potatoes 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 Velvet Wine-Braised Chicken with Herb-Infused Potatoes?
American one pot 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
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.