Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken has become my absolute go-to for a weeknight meal that feels incredibly special. I remember the first time I tried braising chicken with ACV; the aroma filling my kitchen was pure magic, a perfect balance of tangy and savory. This dish delivers such tender braised meat with ACV, it practically melts in your mouth. It’s a simple yet elegant way to create a flavorful meal that’s both comforting and surprisingly healthy. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: The tangy apple cider vinegar creates a wonderfully savory and slightly sweet profile.
- Effortless Prep: You can have this ready to braise in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Health Benefits: Apple cider vinegar is known for its potential health perks, adding good-for-you elements to your meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients that deliver a gourmet taste without breaking the bank.
- Family Favorite: The tender braised meat with ACV is so moist and flavorful, even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable for different cuts of meat or added vegetables.
- Amazing Texture: You get beautifully tender braised meat with ACV that’s fall-off-the-bone delicious.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a truly delicious meal. The star, of course, is the apple cider vinegar braising liquid, which tenderizes the meat and provides that signature tang. You’ll also need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – the skin gets wonderfully crispy if you brown them well!
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar – this is the magic ingredient for that bright, tangy flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth – adds depth and moisture to our braising liquid.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
- 1 large onion, sliced – it softens and sweetens as it braises.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – essential for that savory base.
- 1 tablespoon honey – balances the acidity of the vinegar beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried) – thyme adds a wonderful earthy aroma.
- 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – if you like a little heat!
- Fresh parsley, for garnish – for a pop of color and freshness at the end.
How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken
Get ready for a simple process that yields incredible results! This method for apple cider vinegar braised chicken is straightforward and fills your kitchen with amazing aromas.
- Step 1: Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes if you’re adding a little heat.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is beautifully golden brown and crisp. Flip the chicken and brown the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Add your sliced 1 large onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and turn translucent. Then, toss in the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for just another minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Step 4: Deglaze the pan by pouring in 1 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 cup chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This creates your flavorful braising liquid.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tablespoon honey and the thyme. This balances the tanginess of the ACV and adds a lovely sweetness.
- Step 6: Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the liquid with the skin-side up. Make sure they are mostly submerged in your braised chicken with apple cider vinegar mixture.
- Step 7: Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid. Let the magic happen for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is incredibly tender and infused with the savory apple cider vinegar flavor. The aroma of this braised chicken with apple cider vinegar is truly divine!
- Step 8: Once tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your delicious apple cider vinegar braised chicken warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a nice finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken
Elevate your apple cider vinegar braised chicken with these simple but game-changing tips:
- Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the chicken thighs first builds a crucial flavor base and helps the skin get wonderfully crispy.
- When browning, give the chicken thighs plenty of space in the pan; overcrowding will steam them instead of searing.
- For an even richer flavor, try marinating the chicken in the apple cider vinegar mixture for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge before cooking.
- If your braising liquid seems too thin after cooking, you can remove the chicken and simmer the liquid uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it into a lovely sauce.
What’s the secret to perfect Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken?
The real secret to a perfect savory apple cider vinegar braise lies in balancing the sweet and tangy elements. Using honey to complement the apple cider vinegar, along with a good sear on the chicken and slow, consistent braising, ensures incredibly tender meat and a rich sauce.
Can I make Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance. Let it cool completely, then store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken?
A common pitfall is overcrowding the pan when searing, which prevents browning. Also, be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing, as this can make the dish bitter. Finally, ensure your braising liquid covers most of the chicken for even cooking.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken
This delicious apple cider vinegar braised chicken is incredibly versatile. For a comforting classic, serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up that amazing tangy sauce. It also pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. If you’re looking for a side that complements the robust flavors, consider a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. While this recipe focuses on chicken, the principles of a good vinegar braised pork dish often inspire pairings like creamy polenta or a hearty farro salad, which would also be wonderful here.
Nutrition Facts for Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken
Discover the nutritional highlights of this flavorful dish. A single serving of this apple cider vinegar braised chicken offers a satisfying balance of macronutrients.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially regarding carbohydrate and sodium content depending on the chicken broth and other additions.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken
Proper storage ensures your delicious apple cider vinegar braised chicken stays flavorful and safe to eat. Once the chicken has cooled slightly, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy this fantastic meal even longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled chicken and its sauce tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes future meals a breeze, embodying the spirit of easy apple cider vinegar braising!
When you’re ready to reheat, there are a few simple methods. On the stovetop, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) in an oven-safe dish, covered, until warm. For a quick reheat, you can use the microwave, ensuring it’s heated evenly throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken
What are the benefits of apple cider vinegar braising?
Using apple cider vinegar in braising offers a delightful tang that tenderizes the meat beautifully. Beyond flavor, ACV is thought to aid digestion and can contribute to a healthier overall meal. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate a flavorful ingredient with potential benefits into your cooking. For more on the health aspects of vinegar, check out this Healthline article.
How do I braise with apple cider vinegar for the best flavor?
When you braise with apple cider vinegar, the key is balance. Start with a good sear on your protein, then combine the ACV with broth or other liquids. Adding a touch of sweetness, like honey or a bit of brown sugar, helps mellow the acidity. Slow, gentle cooking is crucial for infusing the flavors and achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can find more tips on braising techniques here.
Can I use different meats for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe is perfected for chicken thighs, the principles of an ACV braised dish work well with other proteins. Pork shoulder or pork belly are excellent choices for this type of braising, as is beef chuck or short ribs. Adjust cooking times based on the meat’s density and fat content. For inspiration on braising pork, consider this braised pork shoulder recipe.
What vegetables can I braise with apple cider vinegar?
You can add a variety of vegetables to your apple cider vinegar braised chicken. Hearty root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips hold up well and absorb the delicious braising liquid. Bell peppers, onions, and even sturdy greens like kale can also be added during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and nutrients.
Variations of Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, don’t be afraid to get creative with your Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken! There are so many fantastic ways to adapt this dish, opening up a world of delicious ACV braised recipes.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, swap the red pepper flakes for a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the braising liquid. This creates a wonderfully fiery version of braised chicken with apple cider vinegar.
- Slow Cooker Magic: Adapt this for your slow cooker! Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics as usual, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the braising liquid. Cook on low for 4-6 hours for tender, flavorful results. This is a perfect example of a slow cooker apple cider vinegar braise.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, chopped tomatoes, and fresh oregano to the braising liquid for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. This offers a delightful change of pace from traditional ACV braised recipes.
- Root Vegetable Medley: Toss in chunks of carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes during the last 30-40 minutes of braising. They’ll become wonderfully tender and soak up all that amazing ACV flavor, making it a complete meal.
Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken: 4 Secret Tips
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Chicken
Description
Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken is a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that combines the tang of apple cider vinegar with savory herbs and spices. This easy-to-prepare recipe offers health benefits and comforting flavors, making it perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes, then flip and brown the other side for 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
- Sauté the sliced onion in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the honey and thyme.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, ensuring they are covered by the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid.
- Braise the chicken for 45 minutes on low heat until tender and infused with flavor.
- Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight can deepen the flavors.
- This dish is best served warm.
- Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano.
- Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the braising liquid.
- For a variation, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard with the honey, or add fresh cranberries or sliced apples during braising.
- You can increase the heat by replacing black pepper with cayenne pepper.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 chicken thigh with sauce)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: N/A