Chicken steak with wine sauce

Chicken steak with wine sauce and smoked ham

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients you will need:

- 1 kg chicken pieces (wings, thighs, breast, necks, back, hearts, gizzards)
- 2 large onions
- 50 ml sunflower or olive oil
- 200 g smoked pork ham, sliced thinly
- 1 head of garlic
- 50 ml tomato juice
- 1 glass (approximately 150 ml) of dry white wine
- 500 ml water or chicken broth
- Spices: salt, pepper, sweet paprika, thyme, bay leaves, whole peppercorns

Before you start:
This dish is a reinterpretation of a traditional stew, but with a modern twist, using chicken and smoked ham for added flavor. It is an ideal recipe for a family meal or to impress guests.

Helpful tip: Choose quality chicken, preferably from local farms, for a richer taste and more tender texture. Also, feel free to experiment with different types of white wine, each variant will bring different nuances to the dish.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the chicken:
Wash the chicken pieces well under cold running water. Make sure to remove any leftover feathers or fat. After washing, let them drain in a colander to eliminate excess water.

2. Preparing the onions:
Peel and finely chop the onions. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they become translucent and slightly golden. This will provide a savory base for your dish.

3. Adding the ham:
Add the slices of smoked ham to the pot and lightly fry them with the onions for 2-3 minutes. The ham will release its fat and flavors, enriching the taste of the sauce.

4. Browning the chicken:
Now, add the chicken pieces to the pot. Browning the meat is essential to create a delicious crust and seal in the juiciness. Cook for 7-10 minutes, turning them on all sides until golden.

5. Adding the liquids:
After the chicken is browned, pour the water or chicken broth into the pot. Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes. This step will help the meat become tender and allow the flavors to combine.

6. Seasoning:
After the boiling time has passed, add the spices: salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, bay leaves, and whole peppercorns. Then, peel the head of garlic, slice the cloves thinly, and add them to the pot. Now it's time to pour in the white wine and tomato juice. Mix everything well and let it simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, so the sauce thickens and the flavors intensify.

7. Serving:
The chicken steak with wine sauce and smoked ham is wonderful served alongside warm polenta and grated telemea cheese. The polenta will absorb the delicious sauce, while the cheese will add a creamy and salty note.

Practical tips:
- Variations: You can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to enrich the dish. These can be added along with the chicken to cook together and absorb the flavors.
- Stay creative: If you don't have white wine, you can use beer or another type of alcohol, but make sure to choose something that complements the meat's flavor.
- Gelatin from bones: If you're using chicken broth, you'll add extra nutrients and a richer taste to the dish.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken pieces are an excellent source of lean protein, and smoked ham adds extra protein and flavor. Garlic is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while onions provide heart health benefits.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Sure! Turkey will provide a slightly different flavor, but it will be just as tasty.

2. How can I store the sauce for later?
You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze it for future use.

3. What drinks pair best with this dish?
A dry white wine or craft beer can perfectly complement the flavors of this dish. Additionally, a warm herbal tea can provide a comforting note.

Personal note:
This recipe for chicken steak with wine sauce and smoked ham is a family favorite. I always remember the long Sunday meals when we all gathered around the table. I recommend trying to serve it with a fresh summer salad for a pleasant contrast. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: I could say it is a stew, but considering that a stew, by definition, is a dish cooked only with pork meat, pork organs, and sausages, I thought it would be more appropriate to call it chicken steak with wine sauce. - chicken pieces: wings, thighs, breast pieces, necks, back pieces, hearts, gizzards; - 2 onions; - 50 ml oil; - 200 g smoked pork ham; - 1 head of garlic; - 50 ml tomato juice; - 1 glass of white wine; - 500 ml water or broth; - spices: salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, bay leaves, peppercorns.