Ajvar Chicken with Feta & Herbs

(Serves 4 — Easy, 30 minutes)

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 4-5 tbsp Ajvar Perustija (mild or hot, your choice)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 100g feta cheese, crumbled

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

• Optional: ½ cup chicken or any stock or water for extra sauce

Instructions

1. Prep the chicken

   • Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

2. Sear

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown (doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.

3. Make the sauce

   • In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Stir in Ajvar Perustija and (if you want more sauce) add chicken stock. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.

4. Finish cooking

   • Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and cover. Cook another 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through.

5. Top & serve

   • Sprinkle crumbled feta and fresh parsley over the chicken just before serving.

   • Serve with crusty bread, rice, or roasted potatoes to soak up the ajvar sauce.

💡 Tip: This also works brilliantly with grilled halloumi instead of chicken for a vegetarian twist.