Beer-battered chicken

Beer-Battered Chicken: A Flavorful and Aromatic Recipe

If you're looking for a recipe that will impress family and friends, beer-battered chicken is the perfect choice. This recipe combines the rich flavors of spices with the deep aroma of beer, transforming a simple chicken into a special dish. Plus, it's a simple and quick recipe that doesn't require advanced cooking skills, but will surely earn you compliments at the table.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 330 ml of beer (choose a light beer for a milder taste or a dark beer for a richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary (or 1/2 tablespoon of dried rosemary)
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of hot paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of thyme
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing this beer-battered chicken is a true pleasure, and the steps are very easy to follow. Let's see how it's done!

Step 1: Preparing the chicken thighs
Wash the chicken thighs under cold running water, then cut them in half. This will not only help with better marination but will also allow for even cooking.

Step 2: Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix the sweet paprika, hot paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and half of the rosemary. Rub the thighs well with this spice mixture, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. This step is essential, as the spices will penetrate the meat and give it a unique flavor.

Step 3: Preparing the sauce
In a baking dish, pour the olive oil, add the lemon juice, and the crushed and sliced garlic cloves. The garlic will infuse the oil with a delicious flavor, and the lemon juice will add a touch of freshness to the dish.

Step 4: Arranging the ingredients
Place the chicken thighs in the dish, making sure they are well arranged. Sprinkle the remaining rosemary on top and slowly pour the beer among the thighs. This will help create a tasty sauce that will enrich the dish's flavor.

Step 5: Baking
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Let it bake for one hour. The foil will help retain moisture and ensure even cooking of the chicken.

Step 6: Finishing
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and allow the chicken to brown for another 20 minutes on low heat. During this time, the sauce will reduce, concentrating into delicious flavors. You will notice how the meat becomes tender and juicy, while the skin becomes crispy.

Step 7: Serving
Beer-battered chicken is best served alongside delicious sides. We recommend cheesy stuffed potatoes, but you can also choose a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.

Practical tips:
- Choose a quality beer, as its flavor will influence the final dish.
- If you want to intensify the flavors, marinate the thighs in the spice and beer mixture a few hours before baking.
- You can experiment with other herbs, such as oregano or sage, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken meat is an excellent source of protein, and beer, in moderation, can contain antioxidants. Garlic, besides its distinct flavor, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The entire recipe is a combination of simple ingredients that are rich in nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other parts of the chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts or wings, but cooking time will vary.

2. What type of beer is best?
Choose a beer that you enjoy drinking. Light beers offer a milder taste, while dark beers provide a richer flavor.

3. Can I prepare this chicken on the grill?
Definitely! You can grill the chicken thighs, making sure to marinate them beforehand and turn them frequently to prevent burning.

Possible variations:
For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few slices of onion or carrot to the dish with the chicken. You can also experiment with different types of beer or add spicy sauces for an extra kick.

Beer-battered chicken is not just a simple recipe to prepare, but also an opportunity to bring family and friends together around the table. We guarantee that every bite will be full of flavor and that you'll want to repeat this recipe again and again. Happy cooking!