Chicken drumsticks with prosciutto and beer

Chicken drumsticks with prosciutto crudo and beer: a delicious and surprising recipe

Welcome to the world of gastronomy, where every ingredient has a story to tell! Today, I will share a recipe that will transform a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience: chicken drumsticks with prosciutto crudo and beer. This unique combination blends the juiciness of chicken meat with the intense flavor of prosciutto and beer, bringing a dish full of taste to the table.

A brief history of the recipe

Chicken dishes have historically been some of the most accessible and versatile choices in the kitchen. Combined with quality ingredients like prosciutto crudo, which is a type of dry-cured ham, this dish gains a gourmet dimension. Using beer, an ingredient that has accompanied meals for years, not only adds flavor but also a touch of effervescence.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 10 strips of prosciutto crudo (try to use a high-quality prosciutto for an authentic taste)
- 1 small head of garlic (about 6-8 cloves)
- 500 ml of pale beer (choose a beer with a balanced flavor)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Hot paprika (optional, for an extra kick)
- Sweet paprika (for a more complex flavor)
- Freshly ground pepper
- Fresh rosemary (or dried, but fresh is ideal)
- Sea salt (for a more pronounced taste)

Preparing the chicken drumsticks

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C. This step is essential for achieving an even browning of the drumsticks.

2. Prepare the baking tray: Take a baking tray and drizzle it with olive oil. This will prevent the meat from sticking to the tray and help achieve a crispy crust.

3. Arrange the drumsticks: Place the chicken drumsticks in the tray, ensuring they are well spaced. This will allow warm air to circulate around them, helping them cook evenly.

4. Add the prosciutto: Wrap each drumstick with a strip of prosciutto crudo. This will not only add a delicious flavor, but during baking, it will caramelize and become crispy.

5. Add the garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and cut them in half. Scatter them among the drumsticks, and their aroma will infuse the meat, giving it a special flavor.

6. Pour in the beer: Pour the beer into the tray, ensuring it reaches the bottom of the tray. The beer's aroma will permeate the meat, bringing a rich taste.

7. Seasoning: Sprinkle sea salt, freshly ground pepper, sweet paprika, and if you desire a touch of heat, hot paprika. Don’t forget the rosemary, which will add a wonderful aromatic note.

8. Cover and bake: Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 30 minutes. This will help the drumsticks cook evenly and remain juicy.

9. Browning: After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and let the drumsticks bake for another 30 minutes until they become golden and crispy. You will notice how the prosciutto turns into a delicious crust on the meat.

10. Finishing the dish: If you want to add extra flavor, add some brown mushrooms to the tray in the last 15 minutes of baking. They will soak up the flavors of the drumsticks and become a perfect accompaniment.

Serving the chicken drumsticks

For a beautiful presentation, arrange the drumsticks on a platter and serve them with a fresh green salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This will add a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the warm dish. You can also accompany this dish with crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from the tray.

Tips and variations

- Ingredient variations: If you want to experiment, you can replace prosciutto with smoked bacon or even a strip of melted cheese, which will provide a different texture.
- Accompanying salads: An arugula salad with grated parmesan and nuts can add a sophisticated touch to the meal.
- Appetizers: Serve some bruschetta with tomatoes and basil as an appetizer to whet the appetite.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken drumsticks are an excellent source of protein and contain essential vitamins such as B6 and B12, which help maintain the health of the nervous system and produce red blood cells. Prosciutto brings a supply of healthy fats, but it is important to consume it in moderation, considering its salt content.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Of course! This recipe can easily be adapted for pork or turkey. The baking time may vary slightly.

2. What type of beer is best?
Choose a pale beer with a balanced taste. A lager or pilsner works very well.

3. How can I make the drumsticks spicier?
Add more hot paprika or even a few slices of fresh chili if you want a spicy kick.

4. Is this a good recipe for a festive dinner?
Absolutely! This dish impresses with its taste and appearance, making it ideal for a special occasion.

5. How many calories are in a serving?
A serving of chicken drumsticks with prosciutto can have about 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the size of the drumsticks.

In conclusion, chicken drumsticks with prosciutto crudo and beer represent a simple yet extraordinary recipe that will add flavor to your meal. Don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process and, most importantly, the final result! Bon appétit!