Lesya Ukrainian borscht with chicken is a delicious and comforting soup, perfect for any season. This twist on the traditional recipe has become a favorite in our household — perhaps because we simply prefer chicken over beef.
The tender texture of chicken gives the soup a unique softness, creating a broth that remains rich in flavor but lighter than one made with beef. For a deeper, more robust taste, use chicken thighs with bones instead of chicken breast.
While many similar recipes exist, we always aim for an authentic flavor — one that achieves the perfect balance of ingredients with just the right sweet and sour notes. Our video below shows you how to achieve this by combining vegetables and spices in well-measured proportions.
So, what does it take to achieve an authentic taste and color in the borscht with chicken? First and foremost, since this is a beetroot soup, the beets should take center stage. Using an equal amount of beets and carrots won’t deliver the true borscht flavor. Similarly, adding too much cabbage will transform your soup into a cabbage soup rather than the iconic Ukrainian red borscht.
Please note that authentic Ukrainian borscht never includes white vinegar. While white vinegar is great for cleaning, it’s not ideal for cooking. Traditional recipes use tomatoes or tomato paste to balance the sweetness of the beets. If you don’t have tomato paste or it’s not of good quality, consider using apple cider vinegar. It not only offers numerous health benefits but also enhances the rich, complex flavors of the borscht.
Tips for cooking Ukrainian borscht with chicken:
- Skim off the fat from the surface of the broth, or better yet, discard the initial broth. Add fresh water, bring it to a boil, and cook until the meat is fork-tender. Set it aside and let it cool to safely separate the meat from the bones after the veggies are well-cooked in the pot. Add the sliced meat back in at the end of cooking.
- Roast the beets in a skillet before adding them to the broth. This step is crucial for developing their deep, sweet flavor.
- Use tomatoes or tomato paste to balance the sweetness of the beets. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a perfect balance if needed.
- Serve your borscht hot with a dollop of sour cream. Remember to refrigerate any leftovers!
- Borscht improves with time, much like wine. It develops more decadent flavors the next day and the day after. Once the borscht is ready, let it rest for at least half an hour before serving.
Ukrainian Borscht with Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Pot
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs
- 4 potatoes
- 3 medium-sized beets
- 1 carrot
- 2 cups sliced white cabbage
- 1 white onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 sweet red pepper
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dill seeds
- fresh dill and parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp salt (or to taste)
- 2.5 litre water
Instructions
- Rinse the meat and place it in a pot with cold water. Bring the water to a boil. You can either discard the first broth and add fresh water to continue boiling, or skim off the foam that forms on the surface. Add 1/4 onion and bay leaves to the north .
- Meanwhile, chop up the beets and carrot.
- Preheat a skillet and add vegetable oil. Sauté the carrots and vegetables over medium heat until softened.
- Cut onion and chop it.
- Mince the garlic.
- Check if the chicken is fork-tender, then remove it from the broth and set it aside to cool.
- Add roasted beets and carrots to the broth. Continue to cook.
- Fry the chopped onion and minced garlic until golden brown.
- While the beets and carrots are cooking, chop the other vegetables, such as potatoes, sweet red pepper, and tomato.
- Add the chopped potatoes to the broth.
- While the potatoes are cooking, thinly slice the cabbage.
- Add the sweet red pepper and cabbage to the broth. Stir well.
- Add the chopped tomato and tomato paste to the broth.
- Add spices like paprika, black pepper, and dill seeds to the broth. Add salt to taste.
- Add the sliced cabbage. It will require about 5 minutes to cook.
- Chop the meat and add it back to the soup.
- As a final step, chop the fresh dill and parsley, then add them to the borscht.
- Serve hot or warm with sour cream. Refrigerate any leftovers
What are the Health Benefits of Beets?
Beets are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a range of health benefits. They are rich in nitrates, which help lower blood pressure and improve circulation, supporting heart health. Their high antioxidant content helps fight inflammation, while fiber promotes digestion and gut health. Beets also provide essential vitamins and minerals, boosting energy levels and overall well-being. We invite you to watch our video, where we explore these benefits in more detail and share plenty of delicious ways of cooking them:
Conclusion:
This comforting bowl of Ukrainian borscht with chicken is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. With its rich, balanced flavors and the perfect blend of fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that brings both tradition and heart to the table. Enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream, and share it with loved ones for a truly memorable meal. Let us know if you like this recipe or if you have any questions. Happy cooking!
