Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken Recipe
Tender, juicy chicken braised in apple cider vinegar with herbs, garlic, and onions, creating a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. This comforting dish is easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners, and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 4 –6 bone in skin on chicken thighs Juicy and flavorful.
- 2 tbsp olive oil For browning the chicken.
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar The star flavor and tenderizing agent.
- 2 cups chicken broth Adds richness to the braising liquid.
- 4 garlic cloves minced For aromatic depth.
- 1 medium onion sliced Sweetens the sauce as it cooks.
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme Earthy and fragrant.
- 1 bay leaf Subtle herbal complexity.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
Instructions
- Brown the chicken Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on both sides (about 4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics In the same pot, sauté onions until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Deglaze with vinegar Pour in apple cider vinegar, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
- Braise the chicken Add chicken back to the pot, pour in chicken broth, toss in thyme and bay leaf. Cover and simmer on low heat for 35–40 minutes, until chicken is tender.
- Finish the sauce Remove chicken and reduce the liquid over medium heat until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning and spoon over chicken before serving.
Video
Notes
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of apple cider (juice) along with the vinegar.
- You can use boneless thighs but reduce cooking time by 10 minutes.