Savory Bulgarian Braised Chicken with Sherry Tomato Sauce
Experience the rich flavors of the Balkans with this delightful Varna-Style Braised Chicken. This dish features tender chicken pieces slow-cooked in a luscious, herby tomato sauce enriched with dry sherry and earthy mushrooms. Perfect for a cozy family meal or as a comforting dish to share with friends, the aromatic blend of garlic, onions, and fresh herbs infused with a hint of sweetness creates an unforgettable culinary experience that will transport your taste buds straight to Bulgaria.
8
Servings
350
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken pieces
1.5 kg (Cut into serving sizes)
Dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (Dried, no further prep required)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground, to taste)
Olive oil
5 tablespoons (For frying)
Butter
1/4 cup (For frying)
Garlic cloves
5 (Minced)
Onions
2 medium (Chopped)
Dry sherry
1/2 cup (For the sauce)
Tomato paste
3 tablespoons (For the sauce)
Dried basil
1 pinch (For seasoning)
White wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (For the sauce)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (For balancing flavor)
Mustard
1 teaspoon (For the sauce)
Tomatoes
4 large (Chopped)
Mushrooms
3 cups (Sliced)
Fresh basil leaves
To garnish (Whole or torn for serving)
Fresh thyme leaves
To garnish (Whole or stripped for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2
In a large wok, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
3
While the oil is heating, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
4
Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the wok and brown them on all sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Transfer the browned chicken to a large casserole dish and set it aside.
6
For the sauce, add the minced garlic and chopped onions to the remaining oil in the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
7
Stir in the dry sherry, tomato paste, dried basil, white wine vinegar, sugar, and mustard. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.
8
Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the sliced mushrooms. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
9
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken pieces in the casserole dish.
10
Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly and tender.
11
Garnish with fresh basil and thyme leaves before serving.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
28.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Bulgarian Braised Chicken?
It is a Varna-style dish featuring chicken slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with sherry and mushrooms.
What are the primary flavors of this Bulgarian chicken dish?
The dish offers an aromatic blend of garlic, onions, and fresh herbs with a savory tomato base and a hint of sweetness.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content of one serving?
There are 28.75 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat and carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 22 grams of fat and 12.5 grams of carbohydrates.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 200°C (400°F).
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken should bake for 1 hour or until it is thoroughly cooked and tender.
What amount of chicken is needed?
The recipe calls for 1.5 kg of chicken pieces cut into serving sizes.
What type of fat is used for frying the chicken?
The chicken is browned using a combination of 5 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 cup of butter.
How many garlic cloves are used in the sauce?
The sauce requires 5 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of onions should I use?
You should use 2 medium onions, chopped.
What type of alcohol is included in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of dry sherry to enrich the tomato sauce.
Is there vinegar in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar are added to the sauce.
Why is sugar added to the sauce?
One teaspoon of sugar is used to balance the flavors of the acidic tomatoes and vinegar.
How many mushrooms are needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of sliced mushrooms.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The dish uses both 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and 4 large chopped tomatoes.
Which herbs are used for seasoning?
The chicken is seasoned with dried thyme and the sauce contains dried basil.
What is used for the garnish?
The finished dish is garnished with fresh basil and fresh thyme leaves.
Do I need to brown the chicken before baking?
Yes, you should brown the chicken in a wok for 5-7 minutes until golden before transferring it to the casserole dish.
How long should the sauce simmer before baking?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 5 minutes after adding the mushrooms.
What equipment is needed for browning the chicken?
A large wok is recommended for browning the chicken and preparing the sauce.
Can I substitute the dry sherry?
While sherry provides a specific flavor, a dry white wine can be used as a substitute.
Is mustard used in this Bulgarian recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of mustard is stirred into the sauce for added depth.
Should the casserole dish be covered during baking?
Yes, the dish should be covered with a lid or foil while baking in the oven.
How do I prepare the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be sliced before being added to the simmering sauce.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comforting Balkan dish perfect for family meals.
What is the preparation for the chicken pieces?
The chicken should be cut into serving sizes and seasoned with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
What color should the onions be before adding the sauce ingredients?
The onions should be stir-fried for 2-3 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe involves 18 different ingredients including spices and garnishes.