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
Scale
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.
