Pule me Mushkatu dhe Kerpudha
Chicken with Mushrooms and Garlic
A comforting and flavorful Albanian dish featuring tender chicken pieces braised with earthy mushrooms and aromatic garlic, often served with a side of rice or crusty bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces)
- 300 g Mushrooms(sliced (cremini or white button))
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 250 ml Chicken broth
- 100 ml White wine(dry (optional))
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the chicken is dry helps achieve a better sear. - 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary. - 3
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 7-10 minutes.
- 5
If using, pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- 6
Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through, about 30-35 minutes.
💡 Tip: The sauce should thicken slightly. If it's too thin, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes. - 7
Stir in fresh parsley just before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
💡 Tip: Adding parsley at the end preserves its fresh flavor and color.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
- ✓A splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of butter at the end for extra richness.
- Incorporate a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary during the braising.