Description
Experience the perfect blend of savory and sweet with Braised Chicken Legs with Grapes. Tender chicken is seared and then braised in a rich sauce made from chicken broth, sweet grapes, and aromatic herbs, creating a comforting dish ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken legs (thighs and drumsticks attached)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup red or green grapes, halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken legs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add halved grapes, thyme, balsamic vinegar, honey, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Return seared chicken legs to the pot, skin-side up. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Braise for about 45 minutes, checking for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Remove chicken from the pot and keep warm. Increase heat to medium-high and let the braising liquid simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pour the reduced sauce over the chicken on a serving platter, including grapes and onions. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a simple green salad. Spoon some sauce over the sides for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the balsamic vinegar and honey for a few hours before cooking.
- This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, so feel free to get creative!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes