If you are craving a dish that bursts with tangy zest and a little punch of heat, the Spicy Vinegar Chicken over Tomatoes Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This skillet meal brings together tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a perfectly balanced sauce featuring white vinegar, garlic, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for that irresistible spicy kick. The addition of cherry tomatoes adds a delightful freshness and subtle sweetness, creating a vibrant, comforting plate that comes together effortlessly on the stovetop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Spicy Vinegar Chicken over Tomatoes Recipe is a breeze thanks to its straightforward and pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, whether building layers of flavor, adding aroma, or boosting the dish’s visual appeal.
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Using bone-in and skin-on ensures the chicken stays juicy and the skin crisps up beautifully during searing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden brown while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and soft texture after cooking down.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings that irresistible savory aroma and depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Offers a lively, spicy heat that wakes up your palate.
- 1 cup white vinegar: The star of the dish’s tangy punch, balancing all other flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds savory umami richness and some color.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Softens the acidity of the vinegar with a mellow sweetness.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base while keeping the chicken moist.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juiciness, these brighten the dish and add vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth and a little bite to the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped: Sprinkled atop at the end for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Spicy Vinegar Chicken over Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken thighs dry to help the skin crisp up nicely. Season them generously with salt and black pepper. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—once shimmering, place the chicken skin-side down. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes, until it develops a beautiful golden brown crust. Flip and sear the other side for the same time before removing the chicken from the pan and setting it aside temporarily.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in your thinly sliced onions. The residual chicken fat and olive oil will help them soften and become sweet and fragrant over about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes next, cooking for just 30 seconds until their aromas bloom, making the kitchen smell incredible.
Step 3: Build the Tangy Sauce
Now pour in the white vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir them together gently, letting all those flavors marry. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes—you’ll notice the sharp vinegar mellowing slightly as the sugar starts to dissolve, creating a wonderful balance of tang and sweet.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, positioning it skin-side up for even cooking. Pour in the chicken broth, then reduce your heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for about 25 minutes. This slow cooking makes the meat tender and infuses it deeply with those vibrant sauce flavors.
Step 5: Add the Tomatoes and Finish Cooking
Take off the lid and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Let them cook uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets the tomatoes soften just enough to break down slightly, thickening the sauce and adding juicy bursts of freshness that perfectly complement the spiced vinegar chicken.
How to Serve Spicy Vinegar Chicken over Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro injects a pop of color and a bright herbal note that lifts all the rich, tangy flavors on your plate. Don’t be shy with the herbs—it makes a big difference!
Side Dishes
This Spicy Vinegar Chicken over Tomatoes Recipe shines when paired with simple, comforting sides. Try serving it over steamed white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up that luscious sauce. Crusty bread is also fantastic here for mopping up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve this dish straight from the skillet, letting everyone dig in family-style. If you want to impress, plate the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or even a tossed green salad to add a refreshing crunch alongside the juicy chicken and tomatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Spicy Vinegar Chicken over Tomatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to three days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or a quick reheat for lunch.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken along with the sauce. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag, label it with the date, and consume within 2 months for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
To warm up your leftovers, gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low to medium heat until warmed through. This slow reheating keeps the chicken tender and prevents the sauce from drying out. Avoid the microwave if you can to retain that wonderful texture.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work and cook faster, but you might lose a bit of the depth of flavor and juiciness that the bones and skin provide.
Is there a substitute for white vinegar in the Spicy Vinegar Chicken over Tomatoes Recipe?
Yes! Apple cider vinegar is a great substitute that offers a slightly sweeter, fruitier tang if you prefer a milder vinegar flavor.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust it?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a moderate heat to the dish, but you can dial it up or down by adjusting the amount to suit your taste—start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
While cherry tomatoes work best because they break down nicely and add sweetness, you can substitute with diced plum or roma tomatoes. Expect a slightly different texture but delicious results nonetheless.
What should I serve with Spicy Vinegar Chicken over Tomatoes Recipe for a complete meal?
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple starches like rice, potatoes, or crusty bread, along with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for balance and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Vinegar Chicken over Tomatoes Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels both exciting and comforting all at once. Its vibrant tangy sauce, tender chicken, and bursting cherry tomatoes come together to create a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Spicy Vinegar Chicken over Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spicy Vinegar Chicken over Tomatoes is a flavorful and tangy one-pan dish featuring tender bone-in chicken thighs simmered in a zesty white vinegar sauce with garlic, red pepper flakes, and sweet cherry tomatoes. This American gluten-free main course is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, offering a delicious balance of heat, acidity, and sweetness, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a crisp skin.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear each side for about 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce Base: Pour in white vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar, stirring to combine thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to marry the flavors and slightly reduce.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and add chicken broth. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let simmer gently for 25 minutes to fully cook the chicken and infuse it with the sauce.
- Add Tomatoes and Thicken Sauce: Remove the lid and scatter halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Continue cooking uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature ensuring doneness.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the dish for a bright, fresh finish. Serve warm, optionally over rice or with crusty bread to enjoy the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar for a sweeter, milder tang.
- Serve over steamed rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level based on your preference.
