Cast Iron Cauldron Chicken
Cast iron cauldron chicken is a traditional Romanian dish cooked in a cast iron cauldron over wood fire or high heat on the stove. The chicken is browned in its own fat and lard, developing a crispy and aromatic crust while the interior remains tender and juicy. It is one of the tastiest and simplest ways to prepare chicken — authentic, uncomplicated, with the taste of tradition and open fire.
Servings
4
Prep
20 min
Cook
45 min
Total
1 h 5 min
🥘Ingredients
servings
Main ingredients
For serving
✅Dietary Compatibility
Yield
4 servings
📦Storage
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in a covered container; reheat in the cauldron over low heat with a little oil to restore the crust
Freezer
Up to 2 months — freeze after fully cooling
🥗Nutrition Facts
Values per serving (approx. 250 g cooked chicken, without side dish)
Calories
340 kcal
Protein
32 g
Fat
22 g
Carbohydrates
1 g
Fiber
0 g
🍷Pairs Well With
💡Variations
Cauldron chicken with vegetables: Add large-cubed potatoes, red pepper, and tomatoes to the cauldron after browning the chicken for a complete one-pot meal.
Wine cauldron chicken: Deglaze with 150 ml dry red wine after browning and add a few peppercorns, for a more refined version with a rich sauce.
Replace the whole chicken with chicken thighs only — they cook more evenly and have more flavour than breast meat.