Easy Rustic French Braised Chicken is the kind of timeless dish that fills the kitchen with deep, savory aromas from the very first moments of cooking. Golden chicken pieces are slowly braised with earthy mushrooms, sweet onions, garlic, and fragrant herbs in a rich, wine-infused sauce. Ideal for cozy weeknight dinners, relaxed weekend meals, or cold days when comfort food is essential, this recipe delivers classic French flavors with minimal effort and maximum depth.
Servings – Easy Rustic French Braised Chicken
Servings: 4–6 servings
This dish is perfect for sharing at the table, served straight from the pan with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.
Time Required for Easy Rustic French Braised Chicken
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 55 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Thanks to gentle braising, most of the cooking time is hands-off, allowing flavors to develop slowly and naturally.
Ingredients for Easy Rustic French Braised Chicken
Main Ingredients
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1.2 kg chicken thighs and drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
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25 g unsalted butter
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20 ml olive oil
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250 g button mushrooms, whole or halved
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200 g pearl onions or shallots, peeled
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3 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
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30 g tomato paste
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150 ml dry white wine
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350 ml chicken stock
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2 sprigs fresh thyme
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1 bay leaf
Spices and Seasoning
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6 g fine salt (adjust to taste)
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4 g freshly ground black pepper
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Optional: 5 g fresh parsley, finely chopped, for finishing
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Easy Rustic French Braised Chicken
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Prepare the flavor base.
Begin by seasoning the chicken generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. Meanwhile, pat the skin dry to ensure proper browning during searing. -
Sear the chicken.
Heat olive oil and butter together in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Next, place the chicken skin-side down and sear until deeply golden, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside. -
Sauté the vegetables.
In the same pan, add the mushrooms and pearl onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly caramelized. Meanwhile, the vegetables will absorb the flavorful fond left from the chicken. -
Build depth with aromatics.
Add the garlic and tomato paste, then cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step deepens the sauce and enhances its savory complexity. -
Deglaze the pan.
Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the browned bits. Then, allow the wine to reduce by half, concentrating its aroma. -
Braise gently.
Return the chicken to the pan and add the chicken stock, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook over low heat for 35–40 minutes, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. -
Finish and serve.
Finally, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce. Adjust seasoning, discard herbs, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Variations
With additional meat: Add 100 g diced bacon or pancetta at the beginning for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Creamier version: Stir in 80 ml heavy cream during the final 5 minutes for a richer, velvety sauce.
Spicier version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cracked white pepper for subtle heat.
Seasonal vegetable swap: Replace mushrooms with leeks in spring or add carrots in winter for extra sweetness.
Vegetarian-style adaptation: Substitute chicken with large mushrooms and use vegetable stock for a plant-forward braise.
Tips for Perfect Results – Easy Rustic French Braised Chicken
Proper browning matters. Always sear the chicken until deeply golden, as this step builds the foundation of flavor for Easy Rustic French Braised Chicken.
Low and slow is key. However, avoid rapid boiling during braising; gentle heat keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Enhance aroma naturally. In addition, fresh thyme and bay leaf provide a more refined aroma than dried herbs.
Storage and reheating. This dish stores well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day. Reheat gently over low heat.
Avoid watery sauce. Finally, let the sauce reduce uncovered at the end to achieve a glossy, well-balanced consistency.
