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Best Easy Braised Chicken with Chestnuts Recipe

Name: Best Easy Braised Chicken with Chestnuts Recipe
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 280 g
Ingredients: bone-in chicken thighs 2 lbs; fresh chestnuts (peeled) 1 cup; yellow onion 1 medium; carrot 2 pieces; garlic cloves 4 cloves; soy sauce 5 tbsp; dry sherry or Chinese rice wine 2 tbsp; brown sugar 1 tbsp; sesame oil 1 tbsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp; water 1 cup

Tender braised chicken with sweet chestnuts in a savory sauce is a comforting autumn dish. A high protein chicken recipe perfect for family dinners.

Cook 65 min Difficulty NORMAL 390 kcal

#high protein #family dinner #comfort food

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

bone-in chicken thighs 2 lbs
fresh chestnuts (peeled) 1 cup
yellow onion 1 medium
carrot 2 pieces
garlic cloves 4 cloves

Seasonings/Sauce

soy sauce 5 tbsp
dry sherry or Chinese rice wine 2 tbsp
brown sugar 1 tbsp
sesame oil 1 tbsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp
water 1 cup

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 21 g 22%

Protein 28 g 29%

Fat 19 g 49%

Serving size 280g

Cooking steps

1

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then brown chicken pieces skin-side down until golden, about 6 minutes. Turn and brown the other side for 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2

Reduce to medium heat. Add sliced onion, carrot pieces, and whole garlic cloves to the fat in the pot. Sauté for 4 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
3

Add the peeled chestnuts and continue stirring for 2 minutes to lightly toast them with the vegetables.
4

Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in soy sauce, dry sherry, brown sugar, black pepper, and 1 cup of water. Stir gently, ensuring chicken and chestnuts are evenly distributed.
5

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 45 minutes, occasionally basting chicken with sauce and checking that chestnuts stay submerged for tenderness.
6

Remove the lid. Increase heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and reduce. Spoon off excess fat if desired.
7

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallion or fresh herbs if desired.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The key ingredients are bone-in chicken thighs and fresh chestnuts. The chicken provides rich, savory depth while chestnuts offer a subtle sweetness and creamy texture, both defining this autumn-inspired dish.

Q. What cooking techniques ensure the best flavor and texture?

Browning the chicken on both sides first develops flavor and locks in moisture. Gentle simmering allows the chestnuts to become tender without falling apart, and finishing the sauce uncovered helps it to reduce and concentrate flavors.

Q. How can I avoid dry chicken or mushy chestnuts?

Use bone-in thighs and brown them well to keep the meat juicy during braising. Make sure to monitor the heat—keep the simmer low and cover the pot so chestnuts cook evenly and do not over-soften.

Q. What is the calorie and protein content per serving?

Each serving of this braised chicken with chestnuts contains approximately 390 kcal and 28g of protein. This makes it a high-protein choice, with protein comprising about 29% of the total calories.

Best Easy Braised Chicken with Chestnuts Recipe

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