Ajvar Chicken

You will love our two-ingredient Ajvar Chicken. If you’re not familiar with ajvar, it’s a condiment or spread, made of roasted red peppers and eggplant. It’s beloved in the Balkans where we grew up eating it. You can find ajvar in European stores or delis, and in the condiment aisle of some conventional grocery stores as well. Every European country has a different way of making it, but it always features roasted red peppers, eggplant, onion, and spices. We grew up enjoying the Bulgarian version called “Lutenitza.”

What stands out

While this Ajvar Chicken is a straightforward, quick recipe, the flavors fool you into thinking it has been marinated for hours. This dish brings the smoky, roasted goodness of Ajvar — a Balkan pepper and eggplant spread—right to your table. The chicken thighs turn out tender and juicy, infused with the rich, tangy flavors of the ajvar. It’s a quick and straightforward recipe that packs a punch when you’re craving something comforting but a little different than usual. Whether you’re new to ajvar or a long-time fan, this recipe will soon become a staple in your dinner rotation. Just pop it in the oven, let the magic happen, and enjoy the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen!

How to Prepare

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).

Season the chicken with salt and then add a few heaping tablespoons of the ajvar. With clean hands, massage the ingredients together well to evenly distribute the ajvar.

Let marinate in the fridge or cook at once.

Bake, uncovered in a 9 x 13 baking dish for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a piece of chicken measures 165F (74C).

Serve the cooked chicken with more ajvar on top and enjoy.

Kitchen tip

Ajvar is a condiment, or spread, made of roasted red peppers and eggplant, and is beloved in the Balkans which is where we grew up eating it. You can find Ajvar in European stores, delis, and we've seen it at Costco!

Swaps

1. We added salt to this recipe because our ajvar wasn’t too salty but this will depend on the brand you buy.
2. You can use any roasted red pepper and eggplant spread you like.
3. Feel free to add additional seasonings or a touch of olive oil if you wish.
4. We like to serve this with extra ajvar and freshly crumbled feta on the side.
5. You can use any cut of chicken you prefer, such as chicken breasts, drumsticks, or wings. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serve it with

• Serve this Ajvar Chicken with a starchy side such as rice, quinoa or our Greek Lemon Potatoes.
• Serve this with a Simple Green Salad or veggie side dish such as Green Beans or Roasted Bell Peppers.

Questions

what is ajvar?

Ajvar is a beloved Balkan condiment, or spread, made of roasted red peppers and eggplant. It adds a rich, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor to dishes.

what if we can’t find ajvar?

If you can’t find Ajvar, you can substitute it with roasted red pepper spread, harissa for a spicier option, or even a mix of tomato paste and roasted peppers blended together.

How can we tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it’s golden brown and a mark meat thermometer inserted in the center of a thigh reads 165F (74C).

can we make this Ajvar Chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, you can certainly make this in the mark air fryer. Just check your appliances’ manual for recommended temperature and cook time. It will probably cook faster than in the oven, so watch it closely!

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

• 12 boneless skinless chicken thighs, any cut of chicken works
• salt to taste
• ½ cup ajvar, mild roasted pepper and eggplant spread

Equipment

• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• Redmond Real Salt
• Mixing Bowls
• 9×13 Baking Dish
• Meat Thermometer

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
2. Season the chicken with salt and add a few heaping tablespoons of the ajvar. With clean hands, massage the ingredients together well to evenly distribute the ajvar. Let marinate in the fridge or cook at once.
3. Bake, uncovered in a 9x 13 baking dish for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a piece of chicken measures 165F (74C). Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks, to make sure it is not burning.
4. Serve the cooked chicken with more ajvar on top and enjoy.