Chicken in Vinegar

Chicken in Vinegar Recipe | A Savory French Dish

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken in vinegar is a classic French dish that combines the tangy flavor of vinegar with tender chicken and aromatic herbs. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion.

History

This recipe has its roots in French cuisine, where vinegar is often used to add depth and flavor to dishes. The acidity of the vinegar helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with a unique taste that is both savory and tangy.

Ingredients

2 large shallots
4 medium tomatoes, about 1 lb (454 g)
1 fryer, cut up and skinned
1 tbsp canola oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
0.5 cup dry white wine
0.5 cup chicken stock
0.5 tsp dried tarragon
0.25 tsp salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 – 2 tbsp butter

How to prepare

Mince the shallots.
Seed the tomatoes and dice.
Heat canola oil in a pressure cooker.
Add chicken and brown on both sides.
Remove the chicken from the cooker and set it aside.
Add vinegar to the pan and scrape up any browned bits.
Add the shallots and cook until soft, about 2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, wine, stock, tarragon, salt, and pepper to taste.
Arrange the chicken on top.
Cover the pressure cooker and bring it to high pressure.
Reduce the heat to maintain pressure and cook for 10 minutes.
Release the pressure and remove the chicken.
Increase the heat to high and boil the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the remaining butter and adjust the seasonings.

Variations

Add olives or capers for a briny twist.
Use different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken before adding it to the pressure cooker to develop rich flavor.

- Use a good quality red wine vinegar for the best results.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chicken in vinegar with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Pressure cooking helps to tenderize the chicken quickly and infuse it with the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole fryer.

- Substitute white wine vinegar for red wine vinegar if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving for a convenient meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish chicken in vinegar with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve chicken in vinegar with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chicken in vinegar contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

Chicken in vinegar is a moderate source of fats, with the butter adding richness and flavor to the dish.

Proteins

This dish is high in protein, thanks to the chicken, which is a lean source of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken in vinegar is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and shallots.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, chicken in vinegar is a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Chicken in vinegar is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its tangy sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. I had always loved to cook, and I would spend hours in the kitchen with my mother, watching her prepare delicious meals for our family.

One day, a traveling merchant came to our village, selling all sorts of spices and exotic ingredients. I was fascinated by the colorful array of jars and bottles that lined his cart, and I couldn't resist asking him about the different flavors and scents that wafted from his wares.

The merchant smiled kindly at me and began to tell me stories of far-off lands and exotic dishes that he had tasted on his travels. I was enthralled by his tales, and I begged him to teach me how to cook some of these dishes.

He chuckled and told me that he had just the recipe for me. He reached into his cart and pulled out a small scrap of paper, yellowed with age and covered in faded writing. This, he said, was the recipe for Chicken in Vinegar, a dish that he had learned to make during his time in France.

I eagerly took the paper from him and studied the ingredients and instructions carefully. The dish sounded simple yet flavorful, with the tangy vinegar adding a unique twist to the tender chicken. I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

That evening, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. I marinated the chicken in vinegar and spices, letting the flavors meld together before roasting it to perfection. The aroma that filled the kitchen was mouthwatering, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe.

When the dish was finally ready, I couldn't wait to share it with my family. As they took their first bites, their eyes lit up with delight. The Chicken in Vinegar was a hit, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished favorite in our household.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my family's tastes. Each time I prepare it, I am transported back to that moment in the village square, when the traveling merchant handed me that precious scrap of paper and opened up a world of culinary adventures for me.

I have since shared this recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of Chicken in Vinegar to the next generation. It brings me joy to see others enjoy this dish as much as I do, knowing that it has been passed down through the years from one cook to another.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my collection of recipes and memories, I am grateful for that chance encounter with the traveling merchant so many years ago. It was a moment that changed my life, sparking a passion for cooking that has stayed with me ever since.

And so, whenever I make Chicken in Vinegar, I am reminded of that special day and the gift of culinary inspiration that was bestowed upon me. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, and I will always treasure the memories and flavors that it brings to my table.