Romanian food

Chicken thigh roast with garlic sauce and polenta – a classic Romanian recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love the unmistakable aroma and taste of a chicken roast? This simple and delicious recipe, with a long-standing tradition in Romanian cuisine, brings together juicy thighs, aromatic garlic sauce, and creamy polenta, creating a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also evokes memories of family meals filled with joy.

Ingredients

- 4 chicken thighs (preferably upper, for a juicier roast)
- Chicken seasoning (salt, pepper, sweet paprika, thyme)
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil
- 5-6 cloves of garlic
- 200 g cornmeal (for polenta)
- 1 liter of water (for polenta)
- Salt (to taste)

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the chicken thighs

1. Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Make sure to remove any leftover feathers or impurities.
2. Dry the thighs with a paper towel to remove excess water. This step is essential for achieving a crispy crust during baking.
3. In a bowl, combine the chicken seasoning: salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and thyme. You can also add other favorite spices, such as garlic powder or oregano, for an even more intense flavor.
4. Rub each thigh with oil, then generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture on both sides of the thighs. Ensure that each thigh is well coated for an even taste.

Step 2: Baking the thighs

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Place the seasoned thighs in a deep baking dish, skin side up. Add a few tablespoons of oil and a glass of water to the dish to keep the meat juicy during baking.
3. Bake the thighs for 30-35 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. In the last 10 minutes, you can raise the oven temperature to 220°C for an even crispier crust.
4. Check if they are fully cooked using a meat thermometer (the internal temperature should be 75°C).

Step 3: Preparing the polenta

1. In a pot, bring a liter of water with a little salt to a boil.
2. When the water starts to boil, gradually add the cornmeal, stirring continuously with a whisk or spatula to avoid lumps.
3. Continue stirring the polenta for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes creamy and separates from the pot's walls. If you prefer softer polenta, you can add a little more water.

Step 4: Preparing the garlic sauce

1. Peel the garlic and crush it well using a mortar or garlic press.
2. Mix the crushed garlic with vinegar and salt, then add a little olive oil to create an emulsion. You can also add water to taste to dilute the sauce.

Serving

1. Place a few roasted chicken thighs on a plate alongside a generous portion of warm polenta.
2. Don’t forget to add the freshly prepared garlic sauce, which will enhance the roast's flavor and add extra zest to the meal.
3. You can garnish the plate with a parsley leaf for a more appealing look.

Useful tips and tricks

- If you want a more aromatic roast, let the thighs marinate in the spices a few hours before cooking, or even overnight.
- You can experiment with different types of oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, for a more refined taste.
- Polenta can also be served with cheese and sour cream for a more decadent version.
- If you love garlic, don’t hesitate to add more cloves to the sauce or even include it in the polenta for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, the recipe works excellently with turkey thighs or even chicken breast. Cook the breast for less time, as it is leaner and dries out faster.

2. How can I keep the polenta fresh?
Polenta is best consumed immediately, but you can store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave, adding a little water to restore its texture.

3. Can I make polenta gluten-free?
Yes, cornmeal is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that you don’t add gluten-containing ingredients in the rest of the dish.

This recipe for chicken thigh roast with garlic sauce and polenta is one of those dishes that will bring a smile to your face every time you savor its aroma. It is simple, quick, and full of flavor, perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. Don’t forget to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and share the joy of home-cooked meals with your loved ones!