Pile s Kaymak i Chushki
Chicken with Kaymak and Peppers
A comforting Bulgarian dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy kaymak sauce, complemented by the sweetness of bell peppers. This dish highlights the use of kaymak, a traditional dairy product, and is often served as a hearty main course.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 large Bell peppers(mixed colors, seeded and chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 250 ml Chicken broth
- 150 g Kaymak(or clotted cream, cut into cubes)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped bell peppers and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 4
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Return the seared chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- 6
Gently stir in the kaymak until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Be careful not to boil after adding the kaymak, as it can curdle.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Kaymak can be found in Eastern European or specialty food stores. If unavailable, a good quality clotted cream can be substituted.
- ✓Ensure the heat is low when adding kaymak to prevent it from splitting.
- ✓Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of sweet paprika or a touch of dried dill for extra flavor.
- For a spicier version, add a finely chopped chili pepper along with the garlic.