20 Flavorful Dutch Oven Chicken Recipes for Cozy Nights

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Written By Lorraine Koller

DIY expert, architect, 20+ years in crafting, home improvement, and interior design.

Cozy nights call for hearty, comforting meals that fill your belly and warm your soul. And what better way to achieve that than with a delicious Dutch oven chicken recipe? The Dutch oven’s versatility allows for tender, juicy chicken cooked to perfection in a rich and savory sauce. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic roasted chicken or something more adventurous like a spicy chili or creamy stew, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll dive into 20 mouthwatering Dutch oven chicken recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From comforting casseroles to flavorful braises and stews, these dishes are perfect for a chilly evening in. So grab your Dutch oven and let’s get cooking!

Dutch Oven Whole Roasted Chicken with Herbs

Roast a whole chicken to perfection using your Dutch oven! This recipe yields a deliciously moist and flavorful bird, packed with aromatic herbs.

Ingredients:

– 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 lemon, quartered
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Dutch oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the lemon quarters inside the cavity of the chicken.
6. Put the chicken in the preheated Dutch oven and roast for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Creamy Dutch Oven Chicken and Mushroom Stew

Cozy up with this comforting and flavorful stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce all in one pot.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat.
3. Add oil to the preheated Dutch oven and brown the chicken in batches until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove from pot.
4. Add more oil if needed, then sauté mushrooms, garlic, and onion until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

Dutch Oven Braised Chicken with White Wine and Garlic

Dutch Oven Braised Chicken with White Wine and Garlic: A rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup white wine (dry)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Dutch oven to 300°F.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat olive oil in the preheated Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until browned on both sides (about 5 minutes per side).
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
5. Add white wine and chicken broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Return the chicken to the pot and cover with a lid. Simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

One-Pot Dutch Oven Chicken and Rice

Satisfy your cravings with this effortless one-pot dish that combines juicy chicken, flavorful rice, and savory spices. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep.

Ingredients:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups uncooked white or brown rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:
1. Preheat the Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil and cook chicken until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add rice, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
6. Return chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

Dutch Oven Chicken Cacciatore

This classic Italian-inspired dish is a perfect comfort food, made easy with the help of your trusty Dutch oven. Sear chicken and vegetables in olive oil, then slow-cook them together in a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken, onions, bell peppers, and garlic; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
4. Cover Dutch oven with lid and transfer to preheated oven (325°F).
5. Cook for 45-50 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
6. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Spicy Dutch Oven Chicken Chili

A hearty and flavorful chili recipe that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day. This spicy twist on traditional chicken chili is made with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a kick of heat from the jalapeños.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 large onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 red bell peppers, diced
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, red bell peppers, and jalapeños. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Add the chicken, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned, about 7-8 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 30 minutes.

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust

Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting Dutch oven chicken pot pie, featuring a flaky crust and rich, flavorful filling. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or brunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Dutch oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken, vegetables, onion, and garlic until tender.
3. Add flour, butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
4. Roll out pie crust and place on top of filling mixture in Dutch oven.
5. Seal edges and cut slits for steam to escape.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Dutch Oven Lemon Garlic Chicken with Potatoes

Elevate your comfort food game with this flavorful Dutch oven recipe that combines the richness of chicken and potatoes with a burst of citrusy lemon and savory garlic.

Ingredients:

– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), cut into 8 pieces (2 legs, 2 thighs, 2 wings, 2 breasts)
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the olive oil, then brown the chicken pieces in batches until cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Add the cubed potatoes and lemon juice; stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the pot, making sure they’re covered with the potato-lemon mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cover the Dutch oven and simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes

Dutch Oven Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

This classic Louisiana-inspired dish combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and flavorful vegetables in a rich and aromatic gumbo. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying meal to share with friends and family.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or crusty bread for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside with sausage.
4. Add onions, celery, and garlic to the pot; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in tomatoes, broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return chicken and sausage to the pot. Simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread, if desired.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Dutch Oven Chicken Tagine with Apricots

Experience the warm, aromatic flavors of Morocco with this hearty chicken tagine recipe cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven. The sweet and tangy apricots add a delightful twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried apricots
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Dutch oven to medium-high heat.
2. Brown the chicken in batches, then set aside.
3. Add olive oil, onions, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onions are caramelized.
4. Add the browned chicken, apricots, honey, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
5. Cover the Dutch oven and cook for 30 minutes over low heat.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Dutch Oven BBQ Pulled Chicken

This recipe takes traditional pulled chicken to the next level by using a Dutch oven to achieve tender, fall-apart meat smothered in a rich and tangy BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Preheat Dutch oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken breasts to the Dutch oven and pour in the BBQ mixture. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Add sliced onions and minced garlic around the chicken.
5. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and cook for 2-1/2 hours or until the chicken is tender and falls apart easily.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before shredding with two forks.

Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours

Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this classic recipe that’s easy to prepare and simmered to perfection in a Dutch oven. This chicken and dumpling dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 cups dumpling mix (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Dutch oven to medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken, carrots, and celery; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add broth, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Prepare dumplings according to package instructions or homemade recipe.
6. Simmer dumplings in the Dutch oven with the chicken mixture for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.

Cooking Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes

Dutch Oven Coq au Vin

Experience the rich flavors of French cuisine with this comforting and hearty Dutch Oven Coq au Vin recipe. Tender chicken, succulent mushrooms, and a flavorful sauce come together to create a dish that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Burgundy or Merlot)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Dutch Oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Brown chicken in hot oil, then set aside.
4. Cook onions and mushrooms until golden brown.
5. Add garlic, red wine, broth, and tomato paste; simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Return chicken to pot; cover and cook for 30-40 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Dutch Oven Chicken and Vegetable Curry

Savor the flavors of India with this hearty and aromatic curry recipe, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat Dutch oven or large pot to medium-high heat.
2. Add oil, onions, and garlic; sauté until onions are translucent (5 minutes).
3. Add chicken, bell pepper, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves; serve hot over rice or with naan bread.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Dutch Oven Chicken Thighs with Olives and Tomatoes

A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Moist chicken thighs are cooked to perfection with sweet onions, salty olives, and tangy tomatoes in a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown chicken thighs in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side; set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add olives, diced tomatoes, and canned tomatoes; stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to the pot; cover with lid.
6. Cook at medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Dutch Oven Chicken Fricassee

A classic comfort dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening in. This Dutch oven chicken fricassee is a flavorful and tender recipe that’s easy to prepare and serves 4-6 people.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Add butter to the pot and brown the chicken on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. Add onions and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start browning.
6. Add chicken broth, wine (if using), and browned chicken to the pot. Cover with a lid.
7. Simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Dutch Oven Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This comforting soup is a perfect blend of chicken, wild rice, and vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven. It’s a great option for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed wild rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add wild rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to the pot, cover, and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed.

Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes

Dutch Oven Honey Mustard Chicken with Carrots

This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven with sweet carrots and a tangy honey mustard glaze.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup honey mustard sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, honey mustard sauce, and thyme.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the preheated Dutch oven and brush with the honey mustard mixture.
4. Arrange the carrot sticks around the chicken.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and cook for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Dutch Oven Chicken Adobo

This Filipino-inspired dish is a staple of comfort food, with tender chicken cooked in a rich and tangy adobo sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup vinegar (apple cider or white wine)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Dutch oven to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Add oil to the pot and brown chicken in batches (5-6 minutes per batch).
4. Remove chicken from pot, then add vinegar, soy sauce, water, garlic, and browned chicken back to the pot.
5. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until chicken is tender.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Dutch Oven Chicken and Cornbread Bake

This comforting casserole combines tender chicken, creamy cornbread, and savory spices in a single, satisfying dish. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat Dutch oven to 375°F.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add melted butter, heavy cream, and egg to dry mixture; stir until just combined.
4. Add chicken, corn kernels, and cheddar cheese to the cornbread mixture; stir until coated.
5. Place mixture in preheated Dutch oven; cover with lid.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and cornbread is golden brown.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Summary

Get cozy on a chilly night with these 20 delicious Dutch oven chicken recipes. From classic comfort foods to international-inspired dishes, there’s something for everyone. Try roasting a whole chicken with herbs and lemon, or braising chicken with white wine and garlic. Or, go hearty with creamy stews, one-pot wonders, and savory casseroles. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy chili or rich tagine, these recipes are sure to please. So gather ’round the table and let the Dutch oven magic begin!

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