Vodka-Braised Tomato and Basil Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs slow-braised in a rich tomato sauce enhanced with vodka and fresh basil for balanced depth and aroma. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs vodka, can crushed canned tomatoes, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 370 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season 6 chicken thighs with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then brown skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy; flip and cook 3 minutes more. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 diced yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/3 cup vodka and carefully let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add 28 oz crushed canned tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken thighs to the skillet skin-side up, cover, and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving to brighten the sauce with fresh herbal notes.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vodka-Braised Tomato and Basil Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Vodka-Braised Tomato and Basil Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vodka from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vodka-Braised Tomato and Basil Chicken Thighs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Vodka-Braised Tomato and Basil Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Vodka-Braised Tomato and Basil Chicken Thighs?

Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes