Chicken with Plums and Herbs
A comforting and aromatic Bulgarian dish where tender chicken pieces are braised with sweet plums, onions, and a blend of savory herbs, creating a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tart flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on)
- 300 g Plums(ripe, halved and pitted)
- 2 medium Onions(sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 200 ml Chicken broth
- 100 ml White wine(dry (optional))
- 1 tsp Dried savory (chubritsa)
- 0.5 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 Bay leaf
- 2 tbsp Sunflower oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is well-seasoned before browning. - 2
Heat sunflower oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs on all sides until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic, dried savory, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- 6
Return the chicken thighs to the pot. Add the chicken broth and enough water to partially cover the chicken. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: The liquid should come about halfway up the chicken pieces. - 7
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
- 8
Add the halved and pitted plums to the pot. Stir gently. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the plums have softened and released their juices.
💡 Tip: Be gentle when adding plums to avoid breaking them too much. - 9
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: The sauce should be slightly thickened from the plums and chicken juices.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This dish is excellent served with boiled potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- ✓If plums are very tart, you can add a teaspoon of honey or sugar to balance the sweetness.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use chicken thighs with skin and bones.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the garlic for a deeper color and flavor.
- Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or allspice for a warmer, spiced note.