Polish Chicken Recipe

Polish Chicken Recipe

Polish Chicken recipes blend rich flavors with hearty ingredients that are perfect for family meals. This Polish Chicken dish incorporates tender chicken with a savory mix of herbs, vegetables, and a creamy sauce that transports your taste buds straight to Poland. The recipe is easy to make and packed with the authentic taste of Polish cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner or a new way to prepare chicken, this Polish Chicken recipe will become a family favorite.

Description

Polish cuisine is known for its rich, hearty dishes, and Polish Chicken recipes offer a unique way to enjoy the traditional flavors of Poland with ingredients that are both simple and satisfying. This particular Polish Chicken recipe uses chicken thighs or breasts, infused with a medley of herbs, onions, garlic, and paprika to create a robust flavor profile. The creamy sauce made with sour cream and mustard adds depth and smoothness to the dish, making it both comforting and indulgent.

A Taste of Polish Tradition

Poland’s food culture is rooted in rustic and simple ingredients, with dishes like pierogi, kielbasa, and bigos taking center stage. Chicken, being widely available and versatile, has become a mainstay in Polish kitchens, especially when combined with creamy sauces, root vegetables, and a variety of seasonings. In this Polish Chicken recipe, the chicken is braised until tender, allowing it to soak in the flavors of the sauce and spices.

This dish can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or holiday feasts. The flavors are warm and welcoming, the texture is creamy and rich, and the result is a comforting meal everyone will enjoy.

Key Ingredients and Flavor Profile

To make this Polish Chicken recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

Chicken Thighs: Known for their tender and juicy texture, thighs are perfect for braising.
Sour Cream: A classic Polish ingredient that gives the sauce its creamy texture.
Mustard: Adds a tangy contrast to the rich creaminess.
Paprika: Gives a smoky flavor to the dish.
Onions and Garlic: The base of the sauce, adding aromatic depth.
Herbs: A mix of dill, thyme, and parsley provide a refreshing, earthy element to the dish.

This combination of ingredients brings a balance of flavors that define Polish comfort food: savory, creamy, with a little kick from the mustard and paprika.

Ingredients

4 bone in chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
1 tbsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried dill
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onions. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze with Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds flavor to the sauce.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, dill, and paprika. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Return Chicken to the Pan:
- Place the seared chicken back into the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

Chicken Cuts: You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs are preferred for their tenderness when braised.
Make It Spicy: If you prefer a bit more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced chili to the sauce.
Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, though it may change the flavor slightly.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.