Traditional Varna-Style Braised Chicken (Bulgarian Dish)

A classic and flavorful Bulgarian dish featuring tender braised chicken in a rich and savory sauce.

Ingredients

1 ½	kg chicken pieces, or cut-ups
1/2	teaspoon dried thyme
1/2	teaspoon salt
1/2	teaspoon pepper
5	tablespoons olive oil
1/4	cup butter
5	garlic cloves, minced
2	medium onions, chopped
1/2	cup dry sherry
3	tablespoons tomato paste
1	pinch dried basil
2	tablespoons white wine vinegar
1	teaspoon sugar
1	teaspoon mustard
4	large tomatoes, chopped
3	cups mushrooms, sliced
	basil leaves
	thyme leaves

Instructions

• 1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
  2. In a wok, heat olive oil and butter. Meanwhile, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the wok and brown them on all sides.
  4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a casserole dish and set aside.
  5. For the sauce:
  6. Saute minced garlic and chopped onions for approximately 2-3 minutes until soft. Add the dry sherry, tomato paste, dried basil, white wine vinegar, sugar, and mustard. Stir well to combine.
  7. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and add the sliced mushrooms.
  8. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the casserole dish, cover it, and bake for 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
  9. Garnish with fresh basil or thyme before serving.

Jul 19, 2024