Chicken in beer

Beer Chicken: A savory recipe that combines the delicious flavors of chicken with the richness of beer, offering a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe has its roots in the culinary traditions of regions famous for their rich gastronomy, and now you can bring it into your own kitchen. It’s an excellent choice for a family dinner or a special occasion, and the final result will amaze everyone!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients
- 2 large chicken thighs, cut in half
- 2 chicken wings, with a piece of breast
- 500 ml beer (for a subtler taste, you can use non-alcoholic beer)
- 1 bunch of greens (parsley, a few sprigs of red orach, and spinach)
- 2 large onions, peeled and sliced
- 500 g mushrooms (fresh or canned, according to preference)
- 50 ml fresh cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, pepper, and thyme, to taste
- Chicken spices, to preference

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the onions and slicing them thinly. Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand to avoid wasting time while cooking. If you are using fresh mushrooms, wash them and slice them. If you opt for canned mushrooms, drain them well.

2. Sautéing the onions: In a heavy-bottomed pot, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add the onion slices. Sauté the onions for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and start to caramelize slightly.

3. Adding the meat: Add the chicken thighs and wings to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and chicken spices. Cook the meat for 5-10 minutes, turning it occasionally, until it turns white on the surface.

4. Incorporating the beer and greens: Once the meat is partially cooked, add the chopped greens and the beer. This step is essential to bring depth and complexity to the dish. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on very low heat for an hour. The beer's aroma will infuse the meat, giving it a rich flavor.

5. Adding the mushrooms: After an hour, add the mushrooms to the pot. If you are using fresh mushrooms, add them now. Season again with salt, pepper, and thyme, to taste. Cover the pot again and let it simmer for another hour. The smell will be simply irresistible!

6. Finalizing the sauce: Once the meat is tender and the mushrooms are cooked, remove the chicken pieces from the pot. Add the cream to the sauce in the pot and stir well to achieve a creamy texture. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes to thicken slightly.

7. Serving: Place the pieces of meat on plates, add the mushroom sauce on top, and garnish with parsley leaves and a few sprigs of red orach and spinach for a fresh and vibrant look.

Serving suggestions
To complement this delicious dish, I recommend serving it alongside boiled pasta or steamed vegetables. Personally, I love to accompany it with sliced and butter-gratinated carrots, which add a touch of sweetness and a crunchy texture.

Useful tips
- Choosing the beer: If you want a more intense flavor, you can experiment with different types of beer, such as a brown beer, which will add depth to the dish. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use lager beer.
- Variations: You can add vegetables such as carrots or celery during the simmering to create an even heartier meal. Also, if you desire a spicier sauce, you can add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or even a little chili pepper.
- Storage: This dish stores well in the fridge and is even more delicious the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This chicken-based recipe is an excellent source of protein, and the addition of mushrooms and greens contributes to fiber and vitamin intake. Approximately, one serving contains around 450-500 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, turkey works well with this recipe, having a similar taste.
- Is this recipe suitable for diets? Due to its protein content and vegetables, it is a good option, but it’s best to be mindful of the amount of cream used and the serving sizes.

In conclusion, beer chicken is a simple yet impressive recipe that will bring a touch of magic to every meal. Whether you prepare it for family or friends, I assure you it will quickly become a favorite! Enjoy your meal!