How to Make Braised Chicken in the Oven with Crispy Skin: A Simple Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the appeal of braised chicken in the oven with crispy skin. This recipe combines two of the most sought-after textures in cooking: the tender, juicy meat that comes from slow braising, and the satisfying crunch of perfectly crispy chicken skin. While many people are familiar with crispy skin from fried chicken or roasted chicken, braising in the oven allows you to achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and full of flavor.

Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make—perfect for a cozy family dinner, a dinner party, or a weekend meal prep. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this simple recipe delivers results that will impress every time.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to create braised chicken that’s juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. With just a few key ingredients and some basic techniques, you can master this delicious meal and elevate your cooking game. Ready to make a flavorful, crispy-skinned chicken that’s both tender and mouthwatering? Let’s dive in!

What Is Braised Chicken and Why It Works for Crispy Skin?

When it comes to chicken recipes, braising is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most flavorful and foolproof cooking methods. Braising is a cooking technique that involves simmering meat in a small amount of liquid at a low temperature, allowing the flavors to infuse and the meat to become incredibly tender. But how does this technique work with achieving crispy skin? Let’s break it down.

Braising Explained: The Secret to Tender Chicken

At its core, braising is a slow cooking process that breaks down the tough fibers in the chicken, making it extremely tender. Typically, braising is done in a covered pot, where the meat is partially submerged in a flavorful liquid (like chicken broth or wine). As the chicken cooks in the oven or on the stovetop, the moisture in the braising liquid helps keep the meat juicy and succulent. This method is perfect for cuts like chicken thighs, which are rich in flavor and texture.

When braised properly, the meat becomes fall-apart tender without drying out. The process is ideal for creating a juicy, flavorful chicken base that forms the perfect foundation for achieving crispy skin.

Why Braised Chicken Needs Crispy Skin

While braising produces tender, moist chicken, the crispy skin is where the magic happens in this recipe. The combination of tender meat and crispy skin creates a textural contrast that elevates the entire dish. But why is crispy skin so essential?

Crispy skin adds both texture and flavor to the dish. When you cook the chicken skin in the oven, the heat renders out the fat, turning it into a golden, crunchy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the moist, tender meat inside. It’s a culinary balance that makes every bite satisfying.

The Science Behind Crispy Skin on Chicken

Getting the chicken skin to crisp up requires the right technique. It’s not just about high heat—it’s also about drying the skin before cooking. When there’s moisture in the skin, it prevents the crisping process and can lead to soggy skin. Drying the skin with a paper towel before braising and using high heat during the final stages of cooking will render the fat and allow the skin to become crispy.

By the end of the braising process, the chicken is not only cooked to perfection but also has that desirable, crispy finish that makes the dish irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Braised Chicken in the Oven with Crispy Skin

Creating a delicious braised chicken with crispy skin starts with choosing the right ingredients. The key to this recipe lies not just in the technique, but in the flavors that come from the ingredients themselves. In this section, we’ll go over the essential ingredients that will make your chicken dish perfectly tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

The Best Chicken Cuts for Braising

When it comes to braising chicken, it’s important to choose the right cut of chicken. Chicken thighs are the top choice for braising. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs are richer in flavor and contain more fat, which makes them perfect for slow cooking. The fat helps keep the meat juicy and tender as it cooks in the braising liquid.

You can also use chicken drumsticks or bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe, but thighs will give you the best results in terms of tenderness and flavor. Bone-in cuts are recommended over boneless to ensure the meat stays moist and flavorful while braising.

The Perfect Braising Liquid

The braising liquid is essential for achieving that juicy, tender chicken. This liquid will not only keep the chicken moist but also impart additional flavor. Here are some options for the best braising liquids:

• Chicken broth: A great choice for a rich and savory base. It adds depth without overpowering the flavor of the chicken.
• White wine: For a bit of acidity and a more complex flavor profile, you can add white wine to the braising liquid. It helps balance the richness of the chicken.
• Combination of wine and broth: For an even richer taste, combine both wine and chicken broth in equal parts. This blend gives a wonderful depth of flavor.

Some cooks also like to add a splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar to the braising liquid to add a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the dish.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

While the core ingredients listed above are essential, you can also customize the recipe by adding other ingredients:

• Carrots and celery: These vegetables will enhance the flavor of the braising liquid and add extra depth to the dish.
• Lemon zest: A fresh, citrusy note that can brighten up the overall flavor.
• Potatoes: If you’d like to make this a one-pan meal, you can add potatoes to the braising pan. They’ll soak up the flavorful liquid while cooking.

With the right combination of chicken, seasonings, aromatics, and braising liquid, you’re well on your way to making a delicious braised chicken in the oven with crispy skin. The next step is to begin the cooking process and watch these ingredients transform into a comforting, flavorful meal.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Braised Chicken in the Oven with Crispy Skin

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the key stages of making braised chicken with crispy skin in the oven. With careful attention to technique, you’ll be able to create a perfectly tender chicken with a golden, crispy exterior.

Preparing the Chicken for Braising

The first step to getting that crispy skin is drying the chicken thoroughly. Moisture on the skin can prevent it from becoming crispy, so use a paper towel to pat the chicken dry, especially if you’re using chicken thighs or drumsticks.

Once the chicken is dry, season the skin and meat generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like (such as paprika or garlic powder). You can also rub minced garlic directly under the skin for extra flavor.

For extra crispiness, score the skin lightly with a sharp knife. This will help the fat render out more effectively, resulting in a crispier texture.

Searing the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

While the chicken will be braised in the oven, starting with searing the skin in a hot skillet helps to kickstart the crispy texture. Heat a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil (vegetable oil or olive oil works well).

• Once the pan is hot, place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet. Let it sear for about 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
• Flip the chicken to brown the other side for another 2-3 minutes. This searing step will not only help achieve that crispy skin but also lock in flavor.

Once the chicken is browned on both sides, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Getting the Crispy Skin: The Final Touch

After the chicken has finished braising, the next step is to crispen up the skin. This step is key to achieving that perfect contrast between tender meat and crispy skin.

• Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
• Uncover the chicken and return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. This high heat will help render out the remaining fat in the skin, leaving it golden and crispy.

Alternatively, if you prefer an even crispier skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, but be sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Resting the Chicken

Once the chicken is perfectly crispy, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring it stays juicy and tender when you slice into it.

This step-by-step guide provides all the essential details needed to create braised chicken with crispy skin. From prepping the chicken to the final step of broiling for that perfect crispy exterior, these techniques will help you achieve a dish that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying. Let’s move on to the next section, where we’ll discuss some tips and tricks to ensure your braised chicken turns out perfect every time.

Tips and Tricks for Braised Chicken in the Oven with Crispy Skin

Achieving braised chicken with crispy skin can be a breeze with the right tips and techniques. While the recipe itself is simple, there are a few tricks that can take your chicken to the next level. In this section, we’ll share expert tips that ensure your chicken turns out tender, flavorful, and with perfectly crispy skin every single time.

Achieving the Perfect Skin Crispiness

One of the most important aspects of this recipe is getting that crispy chicken skin. Here are a few tips to ensure it comes out perfectly every time:

• Dry the Skin Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Before cooking, use paper towels to pat the chicken skin dry as much as possible. This will ensure that the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven.
• Use High Heat at the End: After braising the chicken at a lower temperature, don’t skip the step of raising the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). The high heat helps to render out the fat from the skin and crisps it up.
• Consider Broiling: If you want extra crispy skin, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so that the skin doesn’t burn but gets a golden, crisp finish.
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet or another oven-safe pan is ideal for this dish because it distributes heat evenly and helps achieve a crispy finish. The heavy surface retains heat and keeps the skin crispy.

Variations You Can Try

While the classic version of braised chicken with crispy skin is always a winner, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are some variations to experiment with:

• Change the Seasonings: Try lemon zest, garlic powder, or smoked paprika for different flavor profiles. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat or a drizzle of honey for a sweet touch.
• Try Different Braising Liquids: While chicken broth and white wine are great staples, you can experiment with red wine, beer, or even coconut milk for unique flavor combinations. Tomato-based braising liquids (such as crushed tomatoes or a tomato sauce) work well if you want a more savory dish.
• Add Vegetables: You can add root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or potatoes to the braising liquid. These vegetables will soak up the flavors and make for a complete meal in one pot.

Make-Ahead Tips

This braised chicken with crispy skin recipe can be made ahead of time, which makes it a great option for meal prep or preparing in advance for a dinner party. Here are a few tips for prepping ahead:

• Prepare the Chicken in Advance: You can season the chicken and let it marinate for a few hours or even overnight. This will help the seasonings penetrate the meat for even more flavor.
• Braise and Finish Later: If you want to braise the chicken ahead of time, you can do so and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply crisp up the skin in the oven or under the broiler.
• Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken can be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop, and the skin can be crisped up again by broiling for a few minutes.

Serving and Pairing Your Braised Chicken in the Oven with Crispy Skin

Once your braised chicken with crispy skin is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair it to create a well-rounded, delicious meal. The combination of tender, juicy meat with crispy skin makes this dish versatile and easy to pair with a variety of sides and beverages. In this section, we’ll cover some fantastic serving ideas and wine pairings to elevate your braised chicken experience.

How to Serve Your Braised Chicken

The way you serve your braised chicken can make all the difference in presenting a beautiful and satisfying meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve with the Braising Liquid: After the chicken has finished braising, the liquid in the pan will have absorbed all the wonderful flavors from the chicken and seasonings. You can serve the chicken on a plate with a spoonful of the braising liquid drizzled over the top. This adds moisture and an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
• Crispy Skin on Top: If you’ve followed the recipe correctly, the skin should be wonderfully crispy. When plating, make sure the crispy side of the chicken is facing up. This will allow the skin to stay crunchy and make for an eye-catching presentation.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For a pop of color and freshness, garnish the chicken with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. These herbs complement the savory flavors of the braised chicken and add a beautiful touch to the plate.

Side Dishes That Complement Braised Chicken

Now that the main dish is ready, it’s time to choose sides that will balance and enhance the richness of the braised chicken. Here are some excellent side dish options to serve alongside:

Starchy Sides

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are an ideal match for braised chicken, as they soak up the flavorful braising liquid and provide a smooth contrast to the crispy skin.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken. The caramelized edges of the roasted veggies provide another layer of flavor that complements the crispy skin.
• Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf with herbs and toasted nuts adds texture and a nutty undertone to the dish. It’s a great base for soaking up the rich braising liquid.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta or crispy, grilled polenta cakes are excellent for pairing with braised chicken, giving a delicious and comforting balance to the meal.

Vegetable Sides

• Sautéed Greens: Greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard sautéed with garlic and olive oil are a light and healthy complement to the richness of braised chicken.
• Braised Greens: For a more traditional pairing, try serving your chicken with braised collard greens or mustard greens. These hearty greens pair well with the tender chicken and flavorful braising liquid.
• Steamed Asparagus: If you’re looking for something light and elegant, steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich and savory chicken.

Adding a Finishing Touch: Sauces and Condiments

To further elevate your meal, consider offering some sauces or condiments that can be drizzled over the chicken or served on the side. Here are a few options:

• Garlic Herb Butter: A simple garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add an indulgent, rich finish to the chicken.
• Chimichurri Sauce: For a tangy and fresh option, serve the chicken with chimichurri sauce made from parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. This herbaceous sauce adds a burst of flavor to contrast the richness of the chicken.
• Lemon Aioli: A light and creamy lemon aioli provides a zesty and creamy contrast to the crispy skin, giving each bite a refreshing touch.

Enjoy the Perfect Combination of Tender Meat and Crispy Skin

Making braised chicken with crispy skin in the oven is a rewarding and delicious process that results in a comforting meal with the best of both worlds: tender, juicy meat and a crispy, flavorful exterior. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you’re craving something truly satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this dish is sure to impress with its balance of rich flavors and texture. And with a few key ingredients, some thoughtful techniques, and a bit of patience, you can create a meal that’s both luxurious and approachable.

Customizing the Recipe to Your Taste

One of the joys of making braised chicken with crispy skin is how versatile the dish can be. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes by experimenting with different seasonings, braising liquids, and side dishes. Whether you prefer a more savory flavor profile with garlic and herbs, or you want to add a touch of sweetness with a hint of honey or balsamic vinegar, the possibilities are endless.

Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own—whether it’s by adding vegetables to the braising pan or swapping in your favorite wine for the braising liquid. The recipe is flexible, and you can make it as simple or as gourmet as you like.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From weeknight meals to holiday gatherings, braised chicken in the oven with crispy skin is a dish that works for any occasion. Its comforting, hearty nature makes it ideal for cozy dinners, while its depth of flavor and elegant presentation make it suitable for more formal gatherings. Pair it with the right sides and wine, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to satisfy.

No matter the occasion, this recipe brings a delicious and impressive dish to the table that everyone will love.

The Secret to Success: Patience and Precision

The key to achieving perfectly braised chicken is understanding the importance of patience and precision. Slow-cooking the chicken allows it to absorb the rich flavors of the braising liquid while remaining moist and tender. Meanwhile, allowing the skin to crisp up at the end ensures the best texture contrast.

With these techniques, you’re not just cooking a meal—you’re crafting a dish that offers layers of flavor and texture. And with a little practice, you’ll be able to consistently make braised chicken with the ideal crispy skin every time.

To complete your meal, try serving this braised chicken with our Healthy Shrimp Salad. It’s the perfect side dish to complement the crispy chicken.