Beer-Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Speck

Beer-Braised Chicken with Onions and Speck: A Flavorful Italian Delight

Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful main course, this Pollo alla Birra con Cipolle e Speck (Beer-Braised Chicken with Onions and Speck) recipe is perfect for you. This traditional Italian dish features tender chicken pieces, rich beer-infused flavors, the savory touch of speck, and the sweetness of caramelized onions. The combination of fresh herbs and the depth of beer creates a truly comforting meal.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Begin by prepping the ingredients. Peel and halve the onions, then slice them into thin half-moons. Cut the speck into strips. If your chicken pieces are large, you may want to chop them into smaller pieces for easier cooking.

2. Sear the Chicken:
   In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and 10 grams of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Brown the chicken on all sides, turning occasionally for about 8-10 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.

3. Caramelize the Onions:
   While the chicken is browning, add the sliced onions to the pan. Stir them occasionally, letting them soften and begin to caramelize. This process should take about 10 minutes, but be patient; caramelized onions add a sweet, deep flavor that will enhance the dish.

4. Add the Aromatics:
   Finely chop the rosemary and thyme leaves. Add these to the pan along with the bay leaves. The herbs will infuse the dish with a fragrant aroma and a subtle earthy taste.

5. Add the Speck and Beer:
   Now, it’s time to add the speck. Stir the speck strips into the pan with the onions and chicken, allowing them to render out some of their fat and flavor the dish. Once the speck is slightly crispy, pour in the light beer. The beer will provide a rich, malty base that balances the savory chicken and sweet onions. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.

6. Simmer and Cook:
   Cover the skillet with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Let the chicken cook in the beer mixture for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender, and the beer will reduce to create a rich sauce.

7. Final Adjustments:
   Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of water or more beer to reach your desired consistency.

8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the pan from the heat. Discard the bay leaves and serve the beer-braised chicken hot. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Tips for Success

• Choosing the Right Beer: For this dish, opt for a light lager or pilsner beer. Avoid strong, dark beers as they may overpower the delicate flavors of the chicken and herbs.
• Speck Substitute: If you can’t find speck, you can substitute with prosciutto or smoked ham. However, speck offers a unique, slightly stronger flavor that enhances the dish.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs are key to this recipe. Don’t substitute with dried herbs if you can avoid it for the best taste.

This Pollo alla Birra con Cipolle e Speck is a warm, comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests at your next gathering. The balance of savory, sweet, and slightly bitter flavors is simply irresistible. Enjoy this taste of Italy right in your own kitchen!