Pui de Cioban la Tavă
Shepherd's Chicken Bake
A hearty and flavorful baked chicken dish, often prepared in a cast-iron skillet or baking dish, featuring tender chicken pieces combined with vegetables and savory seasonings. It's a comforting, rustic meal perfect for family gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.2 kg Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into serving pieces)
- 800 g Potatoes(peeled and cut into 2-3 cm cubes)
- 2 large Onions(sliced)
- 2 medium Bell peppers(any color, seeded and cut into strips)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned diced tomatoes, undrained)
- 250 ml Chicken broth
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated for even cooking. - 2
In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tbsp olive oil, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Marinating the chicken for a short while can enhance flavor. - 3
In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the bell pepper strips and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- 5
Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure potatoes are evenly distributed for consistent cooking. - 6
Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the vegetable and potato mixture. Make sure the chicken skin is facing up.
💡 Tip: Placing chicken on top allows the skin to crisp up nicely. - 7
Cover the skillet or baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- 8
Remove the cover and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the potatoes are tender.
💡 Tip: Check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the chicken with a fork; juices should run clear. - 9
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: Fresh herbs add a burst of freshness to the rich dish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For extra crispy chicken skin, you can broil the dish for the last few minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- ✓Feel free to add other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips along with the potatoes.
- ✓A splash of white wine can be added with the chicken broth for extra depth of flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but reduce cooking time to avoid drying out.
- Add a bay leaf to the liquid for an aromatic touch.
- Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.