How to Make Creamy Braised Chicken Thighs with Caraway and Dill

These Creamy Braised Chicken Thighs with Caraway and Dill are the definition of cozy, homey comfort food. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are slowly braised in a light yet luscious creamy sauce, infused with the unique warmth of caraway seeds and the bright freshness of dill. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special weekend meal, this dish brings elegance to the table without being fussy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken – Slow braising makes the chicken tender and juicy.
Herbaceous and Aromatic – Caraway and dill give the sauce depth and brightness.
Creamy Yet Light – The sauce is rich in flavor but balanced and not heavy.
Hands-Off Cooking – Once it’s in the pan, it practically cooks itself.

Ingredients

  • 1½ lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or braising pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics
In the same pan, add sliced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and caraway seeds, cooking another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Braise the Chicken
Return chicken to the pan and pour in chicken broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.

4. Make It Creamy
Remove chicken from the pan and stir sour cream (or yogurt) into the sauce until smooth and creamy. Add lemon juice and dill.

5. Finish and Serve
Return chicken to the sauce, spooning sauce over the top. Garnish with additional dill before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 280
Protein: 27g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Rush the Braise – Low and slow cooking ensures tender, flavorful chicken.
  • Use Fresh Dill – It adds brightness and a beautiful herbal note that dried just can’t match.
  • Balance the Sauce – A little lemon juice cuts the richness and keeps it light.

Why This Recipe Works

Braised chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, while the creamy caraway-dill sauce adds a comforting yet fresh dimension. It’s a balanced dish that feels both hearty and bright, perfect for pairing with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.

Creamy Braised Chicken Thighs with Caraway and Dill is a soulful dish that combines comforting textures with vibrant, herby flavors. Simple to prepare yet impressive enough for guests, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

How to Make Creamy Braised Chicken Thighs with Caraway and Dill

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

280

kcal

Tender braised chicken thighs nestled in a light, creamy sauce infused with the warmth of caraway and the freshness of dill. A comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 1½ lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp caraway seeds

  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • ½ cup low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  • Season and Sear the Chicken
    Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or braising pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  • Cook the Aromatics
    In the same pan, add sliced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and caraway seeds, cooking another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Braise the Chicken
    Return chicken to the pan and pour in chicken broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • Make It Creamy
    Remove chicken from the pan and stir sour cream (or yogurt) into the sauce until smooth and creamy. Add lemon juice and dill.
  • Finish and Serve
    Return chicken to the sauce, spooning sauce over the top. Garnish with additional dill before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t Rush the Braise – Low and slow cooking ensures tender, flavorful chicken.
    Use Fresh Dill – It adds brightness and a beautiful herbal note that dried just can’t match.
    Balance the Sauce – A little lemon juice cuts the richness and keeps it light.

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