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braised chicken thighs with mushrooms

Braised Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms for Cozy Nights

This comforting recipe for braised chicken thighs with mushrooms pairs perfectly with creamy polenta, perfect for cozy nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Sauce
  • 4 pieces chicken thighs Juicy and tender; can substitute with drumsticks
  • 8 ounces mushrooms Blend of cremini and portobello; shiitake optional
  • 2 tablespoons butter For sautéing; can substitute with olive oil
  • 1 medium onion Use yellow onion or shallots
  • 0.5 cup white wine Can swap with chicken stock and a splash of vinegar
  • 1 cup chicken stock Use low-sodium for a healthier choice
For the Polenta
  • 1 cup milk Whole milk preferred; use plant-based for dairy-free
  • 1 cup coarse yellow cornmeal Instant polenta can save time
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese Nutritional yeast for a vegan option
For Seasoning and Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon thyme Fresh preferred; use dried sparingly
  • to taste salt Essential for seasoning
  • to taste pepper Essential for seasoning

Equipment

  • cast iron skillet
  • Saucepan
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, melt butter and brown chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5 minutes.
  3. Brown the other side for 5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  4. Add onion and mushrooms to the skillet, sauté for 10 minutes until moisture is released.
  5. Deglaze with white wine, then add chicken stock and thyme. Return chicken to skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  6. In a separate saucepan, combine chicken stock, water, and milk. Gradually whisk in cornmeal and cook for 20 minutes.
  7. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Serve chicken over polenta and drizzle with sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For the best results, ensure chicken is well-browned, and gradually whisk cornmeal to avoid lumps in polenta.

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