European > Romanian > Poultry

Romanian Chicken Tocană Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the red and green bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
7. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
8. Return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
9. Cover the pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer on medium-low heat.
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 500mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with beef or pork.
- Red and green bell peppers can be substituted with any color bell pepper.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth.

Variations:
- Add potatoes or carrots for a heartier meal.
- Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a sharp knife to cube the chicken evenly.
- Make sure to brown the chicken on all sides for maximum flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.

Storage instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in a pot over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve in a bowl with a side of crusty bread.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.

Pairings:
Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken is tough, it may not have cooked long enough. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until tender.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Tocană is a traditional Romanian stew made with meat and vegetables. It is often served with polenta or bread.

Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory and slightly sweet, with a smoky flavor from the paprika.

Serving suggestions:
Serve with a side of crusty bread or polenta for a complete meal.

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Region: Romanian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Herbal, Aromatic