Quick and Comforting Romanian Chicken Ostropel with Polenta
When the mood for cooking is low but cravings are high, this classic Romanian chicken ostropel comes to the rescue. Simmered chicken in a tangy tomato sauce, flavored with aromatic herbs and garlic, served perfectly alongside creamy polenta. A simple, hearty meal ideal for unwinding β especially when paired with a cold beer!
π Prep & Cook Time: 45 minutes
π½οΈ Servings: 3
π₯ Ingredients
- 500 g chicken thighs (drumsticks or lower thighs)
- 100 ml dry white wine
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 500 g very ripe tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
π©βπ³ Instructions
- Brown the Chicken:
Heat oil in a deep pan. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Fry them for about 5 minutes per side until golden. - Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the white wine and cover the pan. Let the chicken simmer gently for 10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. - SautΓ© the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add chopped onion and bell pepper to the leftover fat. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. - Add Tomatoes and Herbs:
Add peeled, diced tomatoes (or crushed canned tomatoes), chopped thyme, and bay leaf. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly reduced. - Simmer the Chicken:
Return the chicken to the pan. Add about 1 cup of water and the crushed garlic cloves. Simmer uncovered for another 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens but remains saucy. - Serve:
Plate the chicken and spoon generous amounts of the sauce over it. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with creamy polenta (mΔmΔligΔ) on the side.
π‘ Tips
- Use ripe tomatoes for the richest sauce, or quality canned tomatoes if out of season.
- Simmer gently to keep chicken tender and sauce flavorful.
- Polenta complements the tangy tomato sauce perfectly and helps soak up every drop.
π Perfect For
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Comfort food cravings
- Casual meals with friends and family
π Final Thoughts
This Romanian chicken ostropel is a fuss-free, flavorful dish that balances hearty meat with a fresh tomato-herb sauce. Itβs an ideal go-to when you want satisfying home cooking without the fuss β and it pairs beautifully with traditional polenta and a cold beer.