Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco offers a comforting twist on the classic Italian dish by using tender, juicy chicken thighs. Braised in a rich tomato and white wine sauce, this meal is both flavorful and satisfying—perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrot, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Add the chicken thighs skin side down. Sear for 5–7 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same pot, add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 5: Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 6: Pour in the white wine, scraping the pot’s bottom to release browned bits. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Step 7: Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and lemon zest. Mix well.
- Step 8: Return the chicken thighs to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce.
- Step 9: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 1 hour until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Step 10: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 11: Let the dish rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a splash of dry white vermouth instead of regular white wine.
- Serve over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- If fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon dried thyme and ½ teaspoon dried rosemary.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your chicken broth has no added gluten-containing ingredients.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken breasts can be used, thighs are preferred for their higher fat content which keeps the meat tender during braising. Breasts may dry out with long cooking.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with more chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice or white grape juice for acidity and flavor.
PrintChicken Thigh Osso Bucco: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Chicken Thigh Osso Bucco is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, bone-in chicken thighs braised in a savory tomato and white wine sauce infused with fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables. This recipe results in an ultimate, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
Vegetables
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrot, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Flavorings
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and create a tasty crust.
- Heat Oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Add chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy; then flip and cook another 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside to retain juices and flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, building the flavor base.
- Deglaze Pot: Pour in the white wine while scraping the pot bottom to loosen browned bits, simmering for 3-4 minutes to reduce and concentrate the wine flavor.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Return Chicken: Place the seared chicken thighs back into the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
- Braise: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let simmer gently for about 1 hour until chicken is tender, fully cooked, and infused with the sauce flavors.
- Taste and Adjust: After cooking, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to balance flavors.
- Rest: Allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and develop further.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich dish.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred or for a non-alcoholic option.
Keywords: Chicken Osso Bucco, Braised Chicken Thighs, Italian Chicken Recipe, One-Pot Chicken Dinner, Comfort Food

