Braised Chicken with Green Onion

Braised Chicken with Green Onion is a comforting dish that marries tender chicken thighs with the fragrant and savory flavors of green onion, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger. The method of braising ensures that the chicken remains juicy and succulent, while the sauce, thickened to perfection, is infused with layers of umami. This recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner, as it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. The vibrant green onions add a fresh touch and a pop of color to the plate, making this dish as visually appealing as it is flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy all cravings for comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 1 bunch green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1:
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down, and brown them for about 5 minutes on each side, until they are golden and crispy. Set the browned chicken aside on a plate.

Step 2:
In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté the mixture for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.

Step 3:
Add the soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients and allow the flavors to meld together. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to incorporate the browned bits left from the chicken, as they add rich flavor to the sauce.

Step 4:
Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the chicken simmer gently for about 30 minutes. During this time, the chicken will become tender as it absorbs the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Step 5:
After 30 minutes of simmering, add the green onions to the skillet, distributing them evenly around the chicken thighs. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the green onions to soften and infuse their flavor into the dish. At this point, if you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

COOKING Note:

For the best results, use chicken thighs with the bone in and skin on. The bone adds extra flavor to the braise, while the skin helps to lock in moisture, keeping the chicken juicy. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use skinless chicken thighs, though the texture may be slightly different. Be sure to simmer the chicken on low heat, as this slow cooking method allows the meat to absorb all the flavors from the sauce and results in tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken. If you’re using skinless thighs or chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.

Serving Suggestions:

Braised Chicken with Green Onion pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati rice. The rice will absorb the savory sauce, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken over egg noodles or soba noodles for an Asian-inspired meal. For a complete and balanced meal, consider adding a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds texture and a nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish. For a garnish, you can also add some finely chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness.

Tips:

• To get crispy chicken skin, ensure that the oil is hot before placing the chicken thighs in the skillet.
• Be cautious when thickening the sauce with cornstarch. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
• If you prefer a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the soy sauce mixture for about 1 hour before cooking.
• For an extra kick of heat, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time to ensure the meat doesn’t dry out.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 900mg

FAQs:

Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but the cooking time may need to be slightly reduced since they cook faster than bone-in thighs. Additionally, you might miss out on the extra flavor and moisture that the skin and bone provide.

Q2: Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. These will provide a similar tang, though rice vinegar has a more subtle and slightly sweeter flavor.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Braised Chicken with Green Onion can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious when reheated. When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to prevent drying out the chicken.

Q4: How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
The brown sugar in this recipe balances the salty and tangy flavors. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar to 1 tablespoon, or omit it entirely if desired.

Q5: Can I freeze Braised Chicken with Green Onion?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion:

Braised Chicken with Green Onion is an easy yet flavorful dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a comforting and delicious meal. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger results in a savory and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken thighs. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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