This Mediterranean braised hen combines hen thighs with heat spices, garbanzo beans, and a wealthy tomato-based sauce. Good for a comfy household dinner or a flavorful meal prep possibility.
these meals that simply hit the spot each time? That’s precisely what this Mediterranean braised hen is for me. Rooster thighs simmered with heat spices, garbanzo beans, and tomatoes create a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and filled with taste. It’s a kind of recipes that makes your kitchen odor superb and leaves everybody on the desk asking for seconds.
I first made this dish on a cold night, and let me inform you, the aromas that crammed the kitchen had been sufficient to make everybody hungry earlier than it even hit the desk! Pair it with crusty bread, rice, and even couscous for a whole meal that feels restaurant-worthy however is completely doable at dwelling.
If you happen to’re as a lot of a fan of daring, Mediterranean-inspired flavors as I’m, you’ll additionally love a number of the different recipes I’ve shared. My caprese hen skillet is a tasty dish that brings collectively mozzarella, recent herbs and tomatoes, whereas my tomato hen soup is ideal for once you’re craving one thing heat and comfy with a lighter contact. For a fast and straightforward possibility, my hen pesto flatbread is a unbelievable alternative.
This Mediterranean braised hen is a kind of recipes that appears spectacular however doesn’t require fancy strategies or hard-to-find substances.
Causes to Love This Recipe
Ingredient Overview
Remember to take a look at the complete recipe and ingredient checklist under
- Rooster Thighs. Bone-in, skin-on hen thighs are my go-to for this recipe as a result of they keep juicy throughout cooking and develop a beautiful, golden-brown crust when seared. If you happen to don’t have thighs available, you’ll be able to simply swap in boneless thighs, drumsticks, and even bone-in hen breasts – simply make sure you regulate the cooking time in order that they don’t dry out.
- Olive Oil. Olive oil is the bottom of so a lot of my favourite recipes, and this one is not any completely different. It provides richness and helps construct taste as you sear the hen and sauté the aromatics. If you happen to’re out, avocado oil or a impartial oil like vegetable or canola oil works simply tremendous.
- Onion and Garlic. These two are non-negotiable in my kitchen. They’re the muse of an awesome sauce, including depth and aroma. If you happen to’re brief on onions, shallots will work, and in a pinch, garlic powder can change recent garlic – simply use about ½ teaspoon per clove.
- Spices (Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Coriander). This heat spice mix brings all of the Mediterranean vibes. Smoked paprika and cumin add a refined smokiness, and coriander gives an earthy stability. If you happen to don’t have smoked paprika, common paprika works, and you may skip coriander if wanted – although it provides a particular contact I’d miss!
- Tomato Paste. I really like how tomato paste amps up the richness of this sauce with only a tablespoon. No tomato paste? Don’t stress – ketchup works in a pinch, or you should use just a little additional diced tomatoes and simmer the sauce longer to thicken it.
- Diced Tomatoes. Canned diced tomatoes are a lifesaver right here, creating the right stability of candy and tangy within the sauce. If you happen to’ve obtained recent tomatoes, peel and cube them, or swap in crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
- Rooster Broth. Rooster broth retains all the things moist and flavorful because it braises. If you happen to don’t have any available, vegetable broth or water with a bouillon dice dissolved in it’s a nice stand-in.
- Garbanzo Beans. Garbanzo beans add heartiness to this dish, and I really like how they absorb all of the flavors from the sauce. If you happen to’re not a fan or don’t have any, white beans like cannellini or navy beans are an ideal substitute.
- Contemporary Lemon Juice. A squeeze of lemon juice on the finish makes all of the distinction, brightening up the wealthy, savory flavors of the sauce. If you happen to’re out of lemons, lime juice or a splash of white wine vinegar will do the trick.
- Child Spinach (Non-obligatory). I like so as to add a few handfuls of spinach on the finish for a pop of inexperienced and a few additional diet. Kale, Swiss chard, and even frozen spinach (simply thaw and drain it first) would work superbly too.
- Contemporary Parsley (Garnish). A sprinkle of recent parsley on the finish provides additional shade for presentation. If you happen to don’t have parsley, attempt cilantro, basil, or perhaps a small pinch of dried parsley in a pinch.
This recipe is all about versatility and dealing with what you’ve obtained. It’s good for utilizing up pantry staples and making a dish that feels particular with no need something fancy!
Directions with Step-By-Step Photographs
This can be a temporary photograph overview. Remember to take a look at the complete recipe and ingredient checklist under
Step 7: Cowl, cut back warmth, and simmer for 20–half-hour till hen is tender and cooked via.
Suggestions for Success
- Pat the Rooster Dry. Earlier than seasoning and searing, be sure to pat the hen thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the pores and skin crisp up superbly and prevents sticking. Moisture is the enemy of a great sear!
- Toast the Spices. Whenever you add the spices to the sautéed onions and garlic, allow them to toast for 30 seconds. This step releases their pure oils and enhances their taste, making your dish style prefer it’s been simmering all day.
- Deglaze the Pan. After including the broth and tomatoes, scrape up the browned bits from the underside of the pan with a picket spoon. These bits (referred to as fond) are filled with taste and can take your sauce to the following stage.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil. As soon as the hen is again within the pot, cut back the warmth to a delicate simmer. A low, gradual braise retains the hen tender and juicy, whereas boiling could make it robust and overcooked.
- Style and Alter. Earlier than serving, style the sauce and regulate the seasoning as wanted. Relying in your substances, you could wish to add a pinch of salt, an additional squeeze of lemon juice, or perhaps a little sugar to stability the acidity.
- Add Greens on the Finish. If you happen to’re utilizing spinach, kale, or one other leafy inexperienced, stir it in over the last 5 minutes of cooking. This ensures the greens keep vibrant and don’t overcook.
- Test for Doneness. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the hen reaches an inside temperature of 165 F (74 C). This ensures completely cooked hen that’s suitable for eating.
- Let It Relaxation. As soon as the dish is completed, let it sit for a couple of minutes earlier than serving. This enables the flavors to meld collectively, and the sauce will thicken barely because it cools.
- Serve with the Proper Pairing. This dish is all in regards to the sauce, so serve it with one thing that may soak it up! Crusty bread, rice, couscous, and even mashed potatoes are all wonderful selections.
Storage and Reheating
Storage:
- Enable the dish to chill utterly earlier than storing.
- Switch the hen and sauce to an hermetic container and refrigerate for as much as 4 days.
- If you happen to’d wish to freeze it, place the hen and sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It is going to maintain nicely within the freezer for as much as 3 months. For finest outcomes, freeze in parts for simple reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop. Place the hen and sauce in a pot or skillet over medium-low warmth. Cowl and cook dinner gently, stirring often, till heated via. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce appears too thick.
- Microwave. Switch a portion to a microwave-safe dish, cowl it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and warmth in 1-minute intervals at 70% energy till warmed via. Stir between intervals for even heating.
- Oven. Preheat your oven to 350 F (177 C). Place the hen and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cowl with foil, and bake for 15–20 minutes or till heated via.
Our Favourite
Mediterranean-Impressed Recipes
- 6 bone-in, pores and skin on hen thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly floor black pepper to style
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika Observe 1
- ¾ teaspoon floor cumin
- ½ teaspoon floor coriander
- 1 medium onion finely chopped (Observe 2)
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes (Observe 3)
- 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans drained and rinsed (Observe 4)
- 1 cup low-sodium hen broth Observe 5
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon crimson pepper flakes elective, for warmth
- 1 teaspoon sugar elective, to stability acidity
- 1 tablespoon recent lemon juice Observe 6
- 2 cups child spinach or kale elective
- Contemporary parsley chopped, for garnish
-
Pat the hen thighs dry with paper towels. (Observe 7)Season generously with salt and black pepper.
-
Warmth olive oil in a big skillet, Dutch oven, or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high warmth.Sear the hen thighs, skin-side down, for five–6 minutes till golden brown and crisp. (Observe 8)Flip and cook dinner for one more 2 minutes. Take away and put aside.
-
Cut back the warmth to medium.In the identical pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes till softened.
-
Stir within the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, and tomato paste. Prepare dinner for 30 seconds till aromatic. (Observe 9)
-
Add diced tomatoes, hen broth, crimson pepper flakes (if utilizing), and sugar (if wanted). Stir to mix.Carry the combination to a simmer.
-
Nestle the hen thighs again into the pot, skin-side up, together with any juices from the plate.Scatter the garbanzo beans evenly across the hen.
-
Cowl the pot with a lid and cut back warmth to low.Simmer gently for 20–half-hour or till the hen is tender and cooked via (inside temperature of 165°F or 74°C). (Observe 10)
-
Stir spinach or kale into the sauce over the last 5 minutes of cooking to wilt.End with a squeeze of recent lemon juice (elective).
-
Garnish with recent parsley and serve with crusty bread, rice, or couscous.
- Smoked paprika provides a smoky depth to the dish. Common paprika will be substituted if smoked isn’t accessible, however the taste will differ.
- Finely chopping the onion ensures even cooking and higher integration into the sauce.
- Use canned tomatoes with out added seasonings for higher management of taste. If utilizing recent tomatoes, peel and chop them earlier than including.
- Draining and rinsing removes extra sodium and ensures a cleaner taste.
- Low-sodium broth prevents the dish from changing into overly salty. Style and regulate salt on the finish.
- Contemporary lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the spices. Keep away from bottled lemon juice, as it will possibly style synthetic.
- Eradicating extra moisture ensures a greater sear and crispier pores and skin.
- Keep away from overcrowding the pot; sear in batches if mandatory for even browning.
- Cooking the spices briefly with the aromatics releases their oils, enhancing taste.
- Use an immediate learn thermometer to make sure the hen reaches 165°F for secure consumption.
Energy: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 25g | Fats: 29g | Saturated Fats: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 6g | Monounsaturated Fats: 14g | Trans Fats: 0.1g | Ldl cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 157mg | Potassium: 476mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1473IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg
Servings: 6 servings
Energy: 386kcal
