Polish Braised Chicken

Polish braised chicken, or Kurczak Duszony, is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce. Infused with traditional Polish flavors like marjoram, paprika, and dill, this dish is perfect for a cozy meal. Served with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty rye bread, it’s a satisfying and flavorful dinner option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Polish flavors: A blend of spices and herbs creates a truly traditional taste.
• Rich and comforting: The braising process results in fall-off-the-bone tender chicken.
• Easy one-pot meal: Simple to prepare with minimal cleanup.
• Perfect for cold weather: A warm and hearty dish that’s great for chilly evenings.
• Versatile: Serve with potatoes, noodles, or bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 parsnip, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• ½ teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup dry white wine (or apple cider for a sweeter twist)
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

For Serving:

• Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty rye bread

Directions

1. Brown the Chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper, then sear them skin-side down until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, carrot, parsnip, and mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

3. Season and Deglaze: Stir in the paprika, marjoram, and caraway seeds, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or apple cider) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

4. Add the Chicken and Simmer: Return the chicken thighs to the pan and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and flour (if using). Stir it into the sauce and let it cook for another 5 minutes until thickened.

6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh dill and serve hot with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty rye bread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Different Meat: Substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or boneless chicken breasts.
• Vegetarian Version: Use mushrooms and root vegetables instead of chicken and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Spicier Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
• More Herbs: Try adding thyme or bay leaves for additional depth of flavor.
• Thicker Sauce: Add an extra tablespoon of flour or simmer longer for a thicker consistency.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

What does “Kurczak Duszony” mean?

It translates to “braised chicken” in Polish, referring to the slow-cooked method used in this dish.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but bone-in thighs add more flavor and tenderness to the dish.

What can I substitute for caraway seeds?

Fennel seeds or cumin seeds can be used as alternatives.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if you omit the optional flour or use a gluten-free thickener.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream.

What side dishes go best with this meal?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty rye bread are all great options.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the chicken first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

Use more sour cream and a little extra butter for a richer consistency.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the flavors well.

Conclusion

Polish braised chicken (Kurczak Duszony) is a rich, comforting dish packed with deep flavors and tender, juicy chicken. With its creamy sauce and aromatic spices, this traditional Polish meal is perfect for any occasion. Whether served with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty rye bread, it’s a satisfying dish the whole family will love. Try it today for a taste of Polish home cooking!