Moldovan Baked Chicken with Sour Cream and Dill
Tender chicken pieces baked in a rich, creamy sauce made with sour cream, garlic, and fresh dill. This dish is a comforting and flavorful staple, often served with mămăligă or potatoes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 200 g Sour cream
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
💡 Tip: Preheating the oven ensures even cooking. - 2
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Drying the chicken skin helps it crisp up. - 3
In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream, minced garlic, chopped dill, and vegetable oil.
💡 Tip: Ensure the sour cream mixture is well combined. - 4
Arrange the chicken pieces in a baking dish. Pour the sour cream mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
💡 Tip: Using a baking dish that fits the chicken snugly helps it cook in its own juices. - 5
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown and slightly crispy. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
💡 Tip: Basting the chicken with the sauce halfway through cooking can add extra moisture. - 6
Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh dill if desired.
💡 Tip: Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can use chicken breast, but reduce the cooking time to prevent it from drying out.
- ✓For a richer flavor, add a pinch of paprika to the sour cream mixture.
- ✓Serve with a side of mămăligă, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sliced mushrooms or onions to the baking dish along with the chicken.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the sour cream mixture for a tangy kick.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.