PAN-FRIED CHICKEN THIGHS IN WINE REDUCTION

An easy dinner recipe for the whole family

Italian pan-fried chicken thighs, known for their juicy interior, are a popular dish that embodies the simplicity and bold flavors of Italian cuisine. The beauty of this dish lies in its rustic approach—minimal ingredients that allow the flavors to speak for themselves, enhanced by a delicious white wine reduction.

One of the key secrets to achieving perfectly crispy chicken skin is cooking the thighs skin-side down in a hot, oiled pan without moving them too much. This allows the skin to render, while the interior remains tender and juicy.  

Pan-fried chicken thighs are versatile and can be served with a wide array of side dishes. A simple arugula salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mash potatoes pair beautifully with this dish, making this recipe perfect for both casual family dinners and more formal occasions.  

Chicken thighs are not only flavorful but also a great source of high-quality protein. Also, the extra virgin olive oil provides heart-healthy fats, while the herbs and garlic used in the seasoning pack an antioxidant boost.  

Chicken thighs also contain essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are important for energy metabolism and overall health. When paired with vegetables or a light salad, this dish becomes a balanced and nutritious meal.

A little history

Italian cuisine places a strong emphasis on simplicity, fresh ingredients, and cooking methods that allow each component to shine—pan-fried chicken thighs are no exception. This dish reflects the Italian tradition of using what’s available in local markets and gardens. Chicken, a common protein source in Italy, is often prepared in rustic, hearty ways to feed families.  

In various regions of Italy, chicken thighs are prepared with slightly different twists. For example, in southern Italy, you might find chicken thighs pan-fried with olive oil, garlic, and chili flakes, while in Tuscany, they may be seasoned with rosemary and a splash of white wine. The versatility of the dish has made it a staple in Italian homes, where it's often served as a second course (secondo piatto) after a pasta dish or hearty soup.  

Today, pan-fried chicken thighs remain a go-to recipe for home cooks in Italy and around the world, celebrated for its ease of preparation, rich flavor, and satisfying texture.

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INGREDIENTS👇🏻

• 4 boneless chicken thighs

• 2 rosemary sprigs

• 3 sage leaves

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 garlic clove

• 200ml | 7.04fl oz white wine

• Sea salt

• Black pepper to taste

• Extra virgin olive oil

The recipe step by step

1. Remove feathers from chicken thighs with some tweezers, and burn off any leftover making sure not to burn the skin
   

2. Rinse the chicken thoroughly with water
   

3. Season with sea salt on both sides of each thigh
   

4. add black pepper to your taste on the inner side of the thighs before rolling them gently into a small parcels

   
   

5. tie together the rosemary sprigs with the bay and sage leaves and remove the core from your garlic clove
   

6. add abundant extra virgin olive oil in a pan on medium heat, then the thighs with the garlic and the herbs
   

7. add half of the white wine and cook on medium heat and with a lid on until all the wine reduces

   
   

8. Then turn around the thighs, add the rest of the white wine, cover with a lid again and cook until all wine is reduced

   
   

9. When the core temperature of the chicken has reached at least 75 °C | 167 °F, serve the thighs with their delicious wine reduction…and enjoy! 😋