Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that transports you to the heart of Poland? Look no further! This recipe for Polish-style chicken is a delicious and relatively easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's packed with authentic Polish flavors, and the best part? It's surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. This recipe is a perfect example of healthy meals that don’t compromise on taste. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a rich flavor base for your delicious dish.
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Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
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Bloom the spices: Add the marjoram, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step enhances the aromatic qualities of the herbs and spices, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
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Create the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Stir in sour cream: Remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir in the sour cream. Be careful not to let the sauce boil after adding the sour cream, as it may curdle.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This Polish-style chicken is excellent served with boiled potatoes, dumplings (kluski), or rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Polish Chicken:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and then whisk this into the sauce.
- Make it creamy: For an even creamier sauce, use heavy cream instead of sour cream.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions, carrots, and celery for an earthy twist.
- Use different vegetables: Feel free to substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.
- Add some heat: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: Approximately 30-35g Fat: Approximately 15-20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This recipe offers a simple yet satisfying approach to Polish cooking. Enjoy the wonderful aromas and flavors as you create this easy and healthy meal. It's a delicious addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and a perfect example of best recipes for easy homemade cooking. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy this taste of Poland!