Armenian Chicken with Sour Cherries and Walnuts
Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, slightly sweet and tangy sauce made with sour cherries, walnuts, and aromatic spices. This dish offers a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 0.75 cup Dried sour cherries
- 0.5 cup Walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1-2 tbsp Honey or sugar
- 0.5 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp Ground allspice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
💡 Tip: Searing the chicken creates a flavorful crust and locks in juices. - 2
Sauté aromatics: Add the sliced onion to the same skillet and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce. - 3
Build the sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the dried sour cherries, toasted walnuts, chicken broth, honey (or sugar), cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: If using fresh sour cherries, you may need to adjust the cooking time and sweetness. - 4
Simmer the dish: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 5
Serve: Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the chicken with its sauce hot, ideally over rice pilaf or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
💡 Tip: This dish is also excellent served with a side of steamed vegetables.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If dried sour cherries are not available, you can use dried cranberries or unsweetened dried apricots, adjusting sweetness as needed.
- ✓To toast walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes until fragrant.
- ✓For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine or brandy along with the chicken broth.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use chicken thighs for a more tender and moist result.
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce for added depth of flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.