Emeril's Braised Chicken Thighs

(177)
Emeril's Braised Chicken Thighs
Photo: STEVEN FREEMAN
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Servings:
6

For this braised chicken thighs recipe, the thighs are seasoned with a make-it-yourself Cajun seasoning before their skin is browned in a hot skillet. A mixture of oil and butter keeps the latter from burning while searing and infusing the chicken thighs with buttery flavor from the start. The chicken then cooks low and slow in an aromatic stock mixture infused with the comforting flavors of thyme and rosemary. Don't skip the rice for serving—you'll want to enjoy every bit of Emeril's flavorful gravy.

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken thighs (about 2 pounds), trimmed of any excess skin or fat

  • 1 tablespoon Emeril's Original Essence or Creole Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 cups thinly sliced yellow onions

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme, tied in a bundle, or 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 3 cups chicken stock or canned, low-sodium chicken broth

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

  • Steamed white rice, for serving

Directions

  1. Season the chicken all over with the Essence and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Place the 1/2 cup flour in a small bowl, and quickly dredge both sides of each thigh in the flour, shaking to remove any excess. Set aside.

  2. Heat 1 teaspoon of the olive oil in a 10- to 12-inch flameproof casserole or saute pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter, and when it has melted, place the chicken, skin side down, in the pan. Brown for 2 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

  3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the pan, and when it has melted, add the onions, garlic, thyme bundle or rosemary sprigs, remaining 1/2 teaspoon then whisk in the chicken stock and increase the heat to high. Return the chicken, skin side down, to the pan, and bring the stock to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan with a heavy, tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.

  4. Uncover the pan, stir the bottom of the pan to prevent scorching, and turn the chicken skin side up. Cover the pan, and simmer for 20 minutes longer.

  5. Stir the bottom of the pan a final time, re-cover, and simmer for 20 more minutes.

  6. Remove the pan from the heat and discard the herb bundle or rosemary sprigs. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Add the parsley to the sauce, stir to combine, and then spoon the sauce over the chicken. Serve with steamed white rice.

Cook's Notes

Recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse from his book, Emeril 20-40-60 Fresh Food Fast.

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