Braised Chicken
A hearty braised chicken dish featuring tender meat, savory broth, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family meals and suitable for those who enjoy classic home-cooked flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chicken on all sides in a Dutch oven using chicken fat or vegetable oil. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add giblets to the fat and brown well.
- Spoon off all excess fat.
- Add sliced celery to the pot and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in water, salt, and pepper.
- Return the chicken to the Dutch oven.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the peeled potatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add beans and cook until tender.
- Remove the chicken, debone, and cut into chunks to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal browning, ensure the chicken is patted dry before cooking. If you don’t have rendered chicken fat, vegetable oil works well as a substitute. For a flavor boost, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you want a thicker broth, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the braised chicken with the tender potatoes and a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Aunt Edna's Potatoes for a comforting touch. You can also serve it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. This will help retain the moisture and flavor of the braised chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Chicken contains roughly 1319 calories, with 20g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (106% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1711mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before browning. This helps ensure even cooking and better flavor. Additionally, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen chicken may take longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for potatoes?
If you want to substitute potatoes, consider using sweet potatoes or carrots for a slightly different flavor and texture. Both options will add sweetness and pair well with the savory broth. You can also omit them altogether if you prefer a lighter dish.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this dish in a slow cooker, brown the chicken and giblets as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).