Summer stew with chicken thighs

Summer Stew with Chicken Thighs

I invite you to discover a delicious and colorful recipe together, perfect for the warm season: summer stew with chicken thighs. This dish is not only an explosion of flavors but also a wonderful way to make the most of seasonal fresh vegetables. Whether you serve it at a family meal or with friends, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 3 chicken thighs (preferably with skin, for extra flavor)
- 3 bell peppers (in different colors, for a vibrant look)
- 3 mushrooms (preferably champignon or oyster)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- Pepper (to taste)
- Hot paprika (optional, for a touch of spice)
- Chicken seasoning (you can use a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill)
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- 1 glass of beer (about 250 ml, for added flavor)

Preparation of ingredients

1. Cleaning and preparing: Start by cleaning and washing the chicken thighs well. Make sure to remove any impurities, and then, with a sharp knife, lightly score the skin of the thighs. This step will help the flavors penetrate and make the skin crispy.

2. Vegetables: Clean the bell peppers, remove the seeds, and cut them into thicker strips. The mushrooms can be sliced or diced, depending on your preference. The garlic will be minced to release its strong aroma.

Cooking

1. Browning the thighs: In a deep pan or pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Put the chicken thighs in and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, until they turn golden. This step will seal in the meat's juices and give a crispy texture.

2. Steaming the vegetables: In another pot, add a little butter (or more oil if you prefer) and add the cut bell peppers and mushrooms. Sauté them for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until they become tender.

3. The perfect combination: Add the browned thighs to the pot with the vegetables and add the whole cherry tomatoes. These will add a sweet and fresh taste. Season with salt, pepper, hot paprika, and the chicken seasoning mix. Mix well for the flavors to combine.

Finishing

1. Adding beer: Pour the glass of beer into the pot. This ingredient is not just a moisture base but also a flavoring agent that will turn the stew into a delicacy. Let everything simmer on low heat, covered, for 20-25 minutes, until the thighs are fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

2. Fresh herbs: About 5 minutes before turning off the heat, add the chopped fresh herbs. This will add a touch of freshness and enrich the flavors of the dish.

Serving

The summer stew with chicken thighs is served hot, alongside a generous portion of polenta. The polenta will absorb the delicious sauce, and the combination will be simply irresistible. You can also add a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Practical tips for a perfect result

- Choosing the meat: If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken meat, but make sure to adjust the cooking time, as boneless meat cooks faster.
- Vegetables: You can vary the vegetables according to your preferences. Zucchini, eggplant, or carrots would be excellent additions.
- Spicy or not?: If you're not a fan of spicy food, you can omit the hot paprika or replace it with sweet paprika for a milder taste.

Nutritional information

This stew is a good source of protein due to the chicken and is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The calories vary depending on the exact quantities used, but one serving (approximately 300-350 g) can contain between 400-500 calories.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the beer with something else?: Yes, you can use water or chicken broth to get a moisture base, but beer brings a unique taste.
2. How can I make the recipe easier?: You can use frozen or pre-prepared vegetables to save time.
3. What else can I serve alongside?: Rice or mashed potatoes are excellent alternatives to polenta.

This summer stew recipe with chicken thighs is simple, quick, and full of flavor. I hope you try it and enjoy the authentic taste of summer on your plate!