In a large bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and peppercorns. Add the vinegar and turn to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Heat a large stainless-steel skillet with a lid over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Place the chicken skin side down in the skillet and sear until deeply browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Turn and cook until browned on the second side, 3 to 4 minutes more, reducing the heat as needed to prevent burning from the sugar.
Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add the onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up, nestling it among the onions. Pour in the reserved marinade and add the broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook over medium-low heat until the chicken is very tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers at least 175°F/80°C, 25 to 35 minutes.
Uncover and simmer briefly, if needed, until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened. Spoon the onions and sauce over the chicken and serve hot, preferably over steamed white rice.