Braised Chicken with Tomato and Cheese

Name: Braised Chicken with Tomato and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 400g can diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

90 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Braised Chicken with Tomato and Cheese

Tender braised chicken in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese for a comforting and flavourful dish.

Prep

20 min

Cook

60 min

Total

90 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Braised Chicken with Tomato and Cheese is a comforting dish that brings together the richness of tomatoes and the creaminess of melted cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, offering both flavour and satisfaction. The combination of tender chicken, slow-cooked in a savoury tomato sauce, topped with a layer of cheese, makes for a meal that's hard to resist. It's a delightful way to enjoy chicken, with the added bonus of a crispy cheese topping.

Ingredients

Servings

Main Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Pro tip: Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) when fully cooked.

Prepare the tomato sauce

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Pro tip: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavour.

Braise the chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer to the oven. Braise for 30 minutes.

Gratinate with cheese

Remove the lid or foil, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Pro tip: Broil for the last 2 minutes for a crisp cheese topping.

Rest and serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to meld and the chicken to reabsorb some of the juices.

Pro tip: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of colour and freshness.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use bone-in chicken for more flavour and moisture.</li><li>Grate the cheese fresh for better melting.</li><li>Braise until the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) internally.</li><li>Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving for better flavour integration.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Braised Chicken with Tomato and Cheese with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a light red wine or a crisp white wine to complement the rich flavours. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.