Juicy Baked Chicken Breast Romanian Style (Piept de pui suculent la cuptor)

Why This Is the Best Juicy Baked Chicken Breast Romanian Style (Piept de pui suculent la cuptor) Recipe

My Grandmother and Her Love for Me, and Our Cooking Together

Granny Victoria was not only a wonderful mother, grandmother, friend and confidant, but also, my greatest teacher in the kitchen. She loved me like no one else and she showed me the beauty in simple things. Her small kitchen was always filled with the warm aroma of traditional dishes, and one of my earliest lessons was learning how to cook chicken breast properly. She believed in keeping it simple but ensuring the flavor and juiciness of the chicken always took center stage. From carefully marinating the meat to letting it rest just enough before serving, her cooking principles stay with me to this day. This Juicy Baked Chicken Breast recipe is a tribute to her love for nourishing, flavorful food.

The Origin, History, and Use of Chicken

Chicken has been a staple protein source for humans for over 8,000 years. Domesticated first in Southeast Asia, chickens spread across the world through trade routes, becoming one of the most consumed meats globally. In ancient Rome, chicken was considered a luxury, while today, it is an affordable, versatile ingredient used in cuisines from every corner of the globe.

The Origin of Romanian Baked Chicken Breast

Romanian baked chicken recipes are rooted in simple cooking methods, often influenced by seasonal herbs and traditional marinades. The focus has always been on enhancing the meat’s natural flavor with minimal ingredients. In villages, chicken was baked over open fire or in clay ovens, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and dill. Over time, modern ovens replaced traditional methods, but the essence of the dish remains: juicy, tender chicken packed with flavor.

Before you dive in, check out these gorgeous simple recipes on Cooking Romania by Vivi:

3 Worldwide Famous Juicy Baked Chicken Breast Recipes

• Greek Lemon Herb Chicken – marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
• Indian Tandoori Chicken Breast – yogurt-based marinade with ginger, garlic, and bold spices like cumin and garam masala.
• American Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast – seasoned with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and baked to perfection.

6 Related Romanian Recipes with Chicken

1. Pui întreg cu legume la cuptor – fabulous whole chicken and vegetables recipe.
2. Pulpe de pui la cuptor – juicy baked chicken thighs.
3. Ciorbă de pui – traditional Romanian chicken soup with sour cream.
4. Papricaș de pui – chicken stew with paprika and sour cream.
5. Pui cu mămăligă și mujdei – fried or baked chicken with polenta and garlic sauce.
6. Grătar de pui – simple grilled chicken, marinated in local spices.

Juicy Baked Chicken Breast Romanian Style (Piept de pui suculent la cuptor)

Recipe by ViviCourse: MainCuisine: RomanianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Resting time

4

minutes

Marinade

12

Hours

When Do Romanians Eat Juicy Baked Chicken Breast?

Baked chicken breast is a versatile dish enjoyed for everyday family dinners, festive celebrations, or light lunches. It pairs beautifully with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, pickled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless chicken breasts
  

• 200 g yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
  

• 1 tablespoon honey
  

• 1 tablespoon vinegar
  

• Juice of 1 lemon
  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  

• 1 tablespoon tomato sauce (optional)
  

• 1 tablespoon red wine (optional)
  

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  

• 1 teaspoon black pepper
  

• 1 teaspoon salt
  

• Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) for garnish

Directions

• Prepare the Marinade
  Mix yogurt, honey, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, tomato sauce, wine, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Check this recipe for the perfect marinade!
• Marinate the Chicken
  Submerge the chicken breasts in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
• Let the Chicken Rest at Room Temperature
  Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and allow it to reach room temperature (3-4 hours).
  
• Pet the chicken breast dry using paper towels.
• Sear the Chicken
  Heat 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a skillet. Sear each side of the chicken for 2 minutes until golden brown.
  
• Bake the Chicken
  Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F). Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
• Rest the Chicken
  Cover the baked chicken with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  
• Serve and Garnish
  Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Always marinate the chicken for at least an hour for optimal flavor and tenderness.
• Avoid overbaking; use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 75°C (165°F). Personally, I overbake and overcook everything. Adara loves “carbonized” food and so do I for that matter. I’m gonna let you in on a secret: the food photos you see on our blog are usually taken at least 30 minutes before I am done cooking a baked dish. Maybe one day I will post the carbonized versions we love so much!
• Rest the chicken after baking to lock in the juices.
• Use a high-heat oven for a golden, crispy exterior.

5 Reasons to Eat Chicken Breast

1. Lean Protein – low in fat, high in protein, and ideal for healthy diets.
2. Nutrient-Rich – packed with B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.
3. Versatility – can be seasoned and paired with countless ingredients.
4. Quick to Cook – perfect for busy weeknights.
5. Delicious When Done Right – juicy and flavorful with the right technique.

Why Baked Chicken Breast Is Healthy

Baking uses less oil compared to frying, preserving the natural nutrients in the chicken. High in protein and low in fat, baked chicken breast supports muscle growth, weight management, and overall health.

Vivi is a passionate teacher, story teller and photographer. Adara is a passionate accountant, businesswoman and videographer. On Cooking Romania by Vivi, the Mom and Daughter play together at the intersection of self and food mastery.