Chicken with sour cream is a classic Romanian dish, simple yet exceptionally flavorful. The browned pieces of chicken are cooked in a creamy sour cream sauce with garlic, flavored with onion and a touch of fresh parsley. Served hot alongside polenta or fresh bread, this dish offers a perfect combination of textures and traditional flavors, making it ideal for family meals.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (or 4–5 chicken thighs, preferably with bone and skin)
2–3 tablespoons oil or lard
1 large onion
3–4 garlic cloves
300 ml cooking sour cream (preferably with at least 20% fat)
1–2 tablespoons flour (for thickening the sauce)
200 ml chicken broth or water
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Meat
Cut the chicken into pieces or use whole thighs. Heat the oil or lard in a large pan and brown the pieces of chicken on all sides until golden. Remove the meat onto a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden and soft. Add the chopped garlic and let it cook for a few seconds, just enough to release its aroma.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the flour brown slightly to give consistency to the sauce.
Step 3: Adding the Sour Cream and Chicken
Pour the chicken broth or water over the flour and onion mixture, stirring to combine the sauce. Add the sour cream and mix well.
Place the chicken pieces back into the pan, into the sour cream sauce, and let them simmer over low heat, covered, for about 30–40 minutes or until the meat is tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: Seasoning and Finishing
Taste and add salt and pepper as desired. Allow the sauce to reduce further, if necessary, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for extra flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken with sour cream is served hot, alongside polenta or fresh bread, which perfectly complement the creamy sauce. It is a rich and comforting dish, perfect for family meals or cold days. The delicate taste of sour cream, combined with tender chicken meat, makes this preparation a true delicacy of traditional Romanian cuisine.
What makes chicken with sour cream such a popular dish in Romanian cuisine?
Chicken with sour cream stands out for its simplicity in preparation and its rich taste. The creamy sour cream sauce combined with the delicate aroma of garlic and onion creates a comforting dish that evokes the memory of traditional family meals.
What is the secret to a creamy sauce without lumps?
The secret lies in constantly mixing the flour with the sautéed onion before adding the liquids. Also, gradually adding the chicken broth and stirring continuously prevents the formation of lumps, resulting in a smooth and fine sauce.
How can the recipe be adapted for a healthier version?
You can use sour cream with a lower fat percentage or Greek yogurt instead of traditional sour cream. Instead of frying the chicken, it can be boiled or baked before being added to the sauce.
Why is it important to use chicken with bone and skin?
Meat with bone and skin adds more flavor to the sauce and keeps the chicken pieces juicy during cooking. The aroma given by the bone and skin intensifies the taste of the dish.
How can the flavor of the dish be improved?
Adding spices such as thyme, smoked paprika, or nutmeg can bring extra complexity. Also, using concentrated chicken stock instead of water will intensify the flavors.
What are the best side dishes for chicken with sour cream?
Polenta is the classic and traditional choice, but chicken in sour cream sauce also pairs well with plain rice, pasta, or even steamed vegetables. Homemade bread is also perfect for savoring the creamy sauce.
Can this recipe be made without flour?
Yes, the sauce can be thickened by reducing the sour cream over low heat or by using mashed potatoes or vegetables to achieve a similar texture.
What type of sour cream is best for this recipe?
Cooking sour cream with at least 20% fat content is recommended to achieve the desired consistency and to avoid separation during boiling. Fermented sour cream adds a slightly tangy note.
How can the recipe be transformed into a dish with modern influences?
The chicken can be replaced with turkey breast, and the sauce can be enriched with mushrooms, Parmesan, or spinach. Fresh herbs such as basil or coriander can also be added for a contemporary twist.
How can chicken with sour cream be stored and reheated?
The dish can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat it over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little milk or broth to bring the sauce back to the desired consistency.
