Why the Braised Chicken Thighs Is Great For Burning Fat
When it comes to a delicious meal that supports fat burning, braised chicken thighs stand out. These tender, juicy thighs offer a perfect balance of protein and healthy fats, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to shed pounds.
The process of braising not only infuses flavor but also retains moisture, ensuring every bite is satisfying without excess calories. Plus, the skin adds a delightful crunch while providing essential nutrients.
I love serving them with veggies, which enhances the meal’s nutritional profile. Trust me, enjoying braised chicken thighs won’t just satisfy your taste buds; it’ll support your weight loss journey too!
Ingredients of Braised Chicken Thighs
When you’re gearing up to make crispy skin braised chicken thighs, the first thing you need is a solid lineup of ingredients. Just think about all the flavors that are about to come together. You’ve got tender chicken thighs, vibrant veggies, and a rich tomato sauce—it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl.
And trust me, this dish doesn’t just taste incredible; it’s pretty simple to whip up, too. So, let’s plunge into what you’ll need for this mouthwatering recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in with skin
- 2 stalks celery, chopped into big pieces
- 2 large carrots, chopped into big pieces (or some mini carrots cut in half)
- 1 large onion, chopped into big pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole
- 1 (16-ounce) can chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water
When it comes to choosing your ingredients, fresh is always best. If you can find organic chicken thighs, go for it; they can really elevate the dish with their rich flavor.
And don’t sweat it if your veggies look a little quirky—imperfect produce can still taste amazing. Plus, you can get a bit creative here—feel free to toss in other veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Just remember, the more colorful your ingredients are, the more fun your dish will look on the plate. So, gather these goodies and get ready for some serious comfort food magic in the kitchen.
How to Make Braised Chicken Thighs
Alright, let’s plunge into the cozy world of making crispy skin braised chicken thighs. The adventure begins with the star of our show: those 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on.
First, get your dutch oven sizzling by heating up 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Now, sprinkle some salt and pepper on those thighs like you’re seasoning a secret potion. When the oil is nice and hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pot. You want them to brown beautifully, so let them hang out for about 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden and gorgeous.
Once they’re looking all fancy, transfer them to a plate and set them aside.
Now, it’s time to welcome the veggies to the party. Toss in 2 large carrots, chopped into big pieces, along with 2 stalks of celery and 1 large onion also chopped into hearty chunks. Don’t forget about those 3 whole garlic cloves—they add a lovely depth of flavor.
Stir everything around in the dutch oven for about 8 minutes, or until the onions start to look a bit translucent. Ah, the aroma wafting through your kitchen is like a warm hug.
Once your veggies are ready, add in 1 (16-ounce) can of chicken stock, followed by 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup of water. Give it a good stir, and let it come to a boil before returning those beautifully browned chicken thighs to the pot. You want them submerged in all that juicy goodness.
Cover your dutch oven with a lid and slide it into the oven set at 350 degrees. Here’s where the magic happens—let it cook for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
After that, turn off the oven but leave the pot inside for about an hour to continue cooking gently. This is where patience pays off; the chicken will be so tender, it’ll practically fall off the bone.
When you finally take that pot out, serve it over some pasta or egg noodles. Trust me, you’re going to want to immerse yourself right in, and your taste buds will thank you for this delightful adventure into comfort food bliss.
Braised Chicken Thighs Substitutions & Variations For Low Carb Diets
If you’re looking to enjoy crispy skin braised chicken thighs while sticking to a low-carb diet, there are plenty of fantastic substitutions and variations to contemplate.
Instead of carrots and potatoes, try using radishes or cauliflower florets for a satisfying texture. You can replace the crushed tomatoes with diced tomatoes or a low-carb tomato sauce.
For added flavor, consider incorporating mushrooms or bell peppers. Don’t forget to swap out the chicken stock for a homemade broth to control the sodium.
These tweaks keep your dish flavorful while aligning with your low-carb goals, ensuring you savor every bite guilt-free!
What to Serve with Braised Chicken Thighs
After exploring low-carb substitutions for braised chicken thighs, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside this delicious dish.
I love pairing them with creamy mashed cauliflower for a lighter twist or sautéed green beans tossed in garlic for some crunch.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, buttery egg noodles or a side of rustic bread are perfect for soaking up those flavorful juices.
A crisp salad with vinaigrette brings a revitalizing contrast, too.
No matter what you choose, these sides will complement the rich flavors of the chicken beautifully! Enjoy your meal!
Additional Tips To Decrease Calories
While enjoying the rich flavors of braised chicken thighs, you might want to contemplate a few simple tips to decrease the calorie count without sacrificing taste.
First, consider removing the skin before cooking; it can greatly cut calories while still keeping the meat moist.
I also like to use a low-sodium chicken stock and opt for less oil when sautéing the veggies.
For a lighter dish, serve it over a bed of steamed vegetables instead of pasta.
Finally, adding more herbs and spices can enhance flavor without adding extra calories.
Every little adjustment helps create a healthier meal!