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Braised Chicken with Celery Root and Garlic

This braised chicken with celeriac and garlic is a wonderful example of a high-protein dish that doesn't compromise on flavour. By searing the chicken until the skin is golden and then gently simmering it with earthy root vegetables, you create a depth of flavour that feels truly indulgent. The celeriac absorbs the savoury notes of the chicken stock and thyme, while the whole garlic cloves soften into mellow, buttery gems that can be squeezed out of their skins at the table.

Ideal for a comforting weekend lunch or a nutritious midweek supper, this one-pan meal is as practical as it is delicious. Serving it with plenty of crusty bread is essential for mopping up the fragrant juices. It is a satisfying, wholesome choice for anyone looking for a hearty, homemade meal that prioritises fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Braised Chicken with Celery Root and Garlic

  • 1.4kg chicken parts such as breasts and thighs (with skin and bone) and drumsticks

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 1 celery root (sometimes called celeriac

  • 1 1/4 lb), peeled with a sharp knife and cut into 3/4-inch cubes

  • 1 head garlic, cloves separated and left unpeeled

  • 300ml reduced-sodium chicken broth (300ml )

  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs

  • Accompaniment: crusty bread

  • Garnish: fresh thyme

How to make Braised Chicken with Celery Root and Garlic

Pat chicken dry and sprinkle all over with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown chicken, starting skin sides down, turning over once, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet.

Add butter to skillet and heat over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté celery root and garlic, stirring frequently, until celery root is browned, about 5 minutes.

Add broth and thyme and deglaze skillet by boiling, stirring and scraping up any brown bits, 1 minute. Return chicken, skin sides up, to skillet along with any juices accumulated on plate, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until chicken is cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes for white meat, about 25 minutes for dark meat. Transfer chicken to a serving bowl as cooked and keep warm, loosely covered with foil.

When all chicken pieces are done cooking, transfer sauce and vegetables to bowl with chicken, discarding thyme.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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