Surprisingly, Vodka Chicken is not chicken in the traditional vodka sauce you might be imagining. Instead, the succulent and rich chicken thighs are browned in butter (always a good start) before being braised in a rich tomato sauce infused with the savory flavor of Worcestershire sauce and the brightness of lime juice. Vodka Chicken does indeed add the brightness and sweetness of vodka to the sauce, but the overall effect is a lighter affair than the bright orange sauce of yore. Vodka Chicken is a touch of sunshine no matter the day or the season.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 ribs celery, thinly sliced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 lime wedges
- 1 tablespoon celery leaves, chopped
- hot pepper sauce, optional, to taste
- celery salt, optional, to taste
Directions
Step 1 –Pound the chicken thighs slightly with a meat mallet to uniform thickness.
Step 2 –Sprinkle the chicken with the salt and the pepper.
Step 3 –In a large skillet, heat the butter and the oil over medium heat.
Step 4 –Add the chicken to the hot butter and oil and brown the chicken on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
Step 5 –Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
Step 6 –In the same pan, add the celery and cook, stirring, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 7 –Return the chicken to the pan.
Step 8 –Add the tomatoes and their juices, the vodka, the lime zest, the lime juice, and the Worcestershire sauce and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 9 –Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until a thermometer inserted into the chicken reads 165 degrees F, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 10 –Serve with the lime wedges, the celery leaves, the hot pepper sauce, and the celery salt.
