Braised Chicken with Apple Cider Vinegar

A flavourful addition to your winter dinner rotation

As winter settles in, there's nothing more comforting than a hearty, flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out. This recipe for Braised Chicken with Activated Apple Cider Vinegar brings a delightful twist to a classic winter dish. The activated apple cider vinegar adds a unique depth of flavour while boosting the dish with its health benefits. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this meal is both nutritious and satisfying.

Braised Chicken with Apple Cider Vinegar

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, chicken thighs (can be skinless or skin on)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1/2 cup activated apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

5. Deglaze with Vinegar: Pour in the activated apple cider vinegar, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds great flavor to the dish.

6. Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the chicken broth, honey (or maple syrup), thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

7. Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, making sure they are partially submerged in the liquid.

8. Braise: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Braise the chicken for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

9. Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken thighs once cooked and set aside. Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour into the sauce and cook over medium heat for a few minutes until thickened. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.

10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips:

• Activated Apple Cider Vinegar: This type of apple cider vinegar is often used for its enhanced health benefits. It adds a deeper flavour to the dish compared to regular apple cider vinegar.

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra flavour and nutrition.

• Leftovers: This dish is perfect for leftovers. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

This Braised Chicken with Activated Apple Cider Vinegar is sure to be a comforting, flavourful addition to your winter dinner rotation. Enjoy!