Heart-Healthy Braised Chicken

Savor the comforting flavors of this Heart-Healthy Braised Chicken, a wholesome dish packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Tender, boneless chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection, then gently simmered alongside nutrient-rich carrots, celery, and tomatoes in a low-sodium chicken broth infused with thyme and bay leaf. This one-pot recipe is a perfect blend of rich, hearty flavors and mindful nutrition, making it ideal for anyone seeking delicious, low-sodium meals. Ready in just an hour and easy to prepare, this dish pairs beautifully with brown rice or whole wheat couscous for a balanced dinner that nourishes the body and delights the palate.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 piece large onion, sliced
• 4 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 pieces celery stalks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken thighs lightly with freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, in batches if necessary, and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and garlic. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Step 5

Add the sliced carrots and celery to the skillet. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 6

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine.

Step 7

Stir in the dried thyme and add the bay leaf.

Step 8

Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables.

Step 9

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid.

Step 10

Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 11

Remove the bay leaf and discard.

Step 12

Garnish the braised chicken with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Step 13

Serve the heart-healthy braised chicken with brown rice or whole wheat couscous for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2121 grams (2121.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2202

Total Fat 118.90g	152%
Saturated Fat 28.50g	143%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 1000mg	333%
Sodium 1093mg	48%
Total Carbohydrate 56.10g	20%
Dietary Fiber 14.70g	53%
Total Sugars 29.30g
Protein 220.30g	441%

Vitamin D 56IU	280%
Calcium 343mg	26%
Iron 11mg	63%
Potassium 3762mg	80%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.2%

Protein: 40.5%

Carbs: 10.3%