Romanian Chicken Breasts
Romanian Chicken Breasts feature tender chicken cooked in a savory tomato and ham sauce, enhanced with aromatic herbs and served over spaghetti. This hearty dish combines rich flavors and simple ingredients, making it perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry chicken breasts in oil until browned. Season well with salt and pepper. Remove from pan.
- Add ham, onion, celery, and basil to the pan; simmer for 5 minutes, stirring.
- Mix tomato paste with chicken broth.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 1 hour or until cooked through, turning occasionally.
- Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente, then drain well.
- Sprinkle cooked chicken with parsley and serve over spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using olive oil instead of regular oil when frying the chicken. If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil can be used as a substitute, just reduce the quantity. You can also add garlic for extra depth. For a lighter option, swap spaghetti with zucchini noodles or a whole grain pasta. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken over a bed of spaghetti, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. This dish is excellent with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the flavors. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with 'Very Best' Swedish Meat Balls for a delightful family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Romanian Chicken Breasts contains roughly 381 calories, with 15g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1701mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or even pork. Just ensure that the cooking times are adjusted accordingly, as different meats may require different cooking durations to become tender and fully cooked.
What can I do if I don't have tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as an alternative. Just adjust the amount based on your desired consistency, and consider simmering it longer to achieve a thicker sauce.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This dish can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving. In fact, the flavors often meld together beautifully when allowed to sit overnight. Just store it properly in the refrigerator and warm it gently to preserve the chicken's tenderness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).