Braised Chicken with Green Onion

There’s something magical about a dish that combines rich, savory flavors with the freshness of green onions. This braised chicken recipe is exactly that! It’s hearty, flavorful, and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or something special for family, this dish will be a winner!

And, trust me, the smell when this is simmering on the stove? It’s enough to make everyone run to the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, juicy chicken: Braising the chicken thighs keeps them moist and flavorful.
• Incredible sauce: A balance of soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and brown sugar creates a sauce that’s savory, sweet, and just a little tangy.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and it comes together in under an hour.
• Perfect with rice: The sauce soaks into a bed of steamed rice or noodles, making every bite pure comfort.

The Taste

Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a savory, garlicky soy-based sauce that has just the right amount of sweetness from brown sugar. The green onions add a fresh burst of flavor and a slight crunch, cutting through the richness of the sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that feels indulgent but isn’t overwhelming.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Protein-packed: Chicken thighs are loaded with protein and healthy fats.
• Easy to customize: You can adjust the sweetness or acidity by tweaking the sugar and vinegar.
• Versatile: It pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even a light salad.

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)

Necessary Tools

• Large skillet or pan with a lid
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs for handling the chicken

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

• Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even drumsticks if you prefer.
• Soy sauce: For a gluten-free option, swap in tamari or coconut aminos.
• Rice vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works as a substitute in a pinch, though it will be slightly fruitier.
• Sweetener: Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Vegetables: Add some mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make Braised Chicken with Green Onion

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and brown for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s where the flavor hides!).
5. Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let it simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Add Green Onions: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, toss in the green onions. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it in at this point.
7. Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

What to Serve with Braised Chicken with Green Onion

• Steamed rice: The sauce is perfect when drizzled over fluffy white or jasmine rice.
• Noodles: Try this with a side of stir-fried noodles or even simple boiled noodles.
• Stir-fried vegetables: Add some crunch and color with stir-fried broccoli or bell peppers.

Tips for the Best Braised Chicken

• Browning the chicken: Don’t rush this step. Browning adds depth of flavor and helps create that delicious fond (brown bits) that enhances the sauce.
• Low and slow: Simmering on low heat ensures the chicken becomes tender without drying out.
• Thickening the sauce: If you like your sauce thick and glossy, a small slurry of cornstarch and water will do the trick!

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: The chicken (without the green onions) freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?

Yes, though the texture will be slightly different. Chicken breasts cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.

What can I use instead of green onions?

You can substitute with regular onions, thinly sliced leeks, or even shallots. Just keep in mind that green onions provide a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the sauce.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after braising?

Unfortunately, the skin won’t stay crispy once braised. If you want crispy skin, you can brown the chicken thighs, then finish them in the oven while preparing the sauce separately.

Conclusion

This Braised Chicken with Green Onion is a true crowd-pleaser that’s simple yet packed with flavor. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights but still feels special enough to serve for a weekend dinner. The savory sauce, tender chicken, and freshness of green onions come together in harmony. I promise, your family and friends will love it!

If you give this recipe a try, don’t forget to rate it and share your photos on Pinterest. I’d love to see your creations!

More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

• Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff
• Glazed Coca-Cola Infused Wings with a Sweet Kick
• Chicken and Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 1g

For more comforting chicken recipes, check out these links above—they’re just as delicious!

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