Portuguese country chicken (Frango à Camponesa)

Delicious Portuguese Country Chicken Recipe (Frango à Camponesa)

When it comes to recipes that bring family and friends together, Portuguese Country Chicken is definitely one of them. This savory dish, rich in flavors, is perfect for a joyful evening spent with loved ones. The preparation may take some time, but the final result is worth every minute invested. Let’s see how we can prepare this delicious recipe step by step!

General Information:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Calories per serving: approximately 680 kcal
- Nutritional benefits: rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals due to fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:
- 1 large country chicken, cut into pieces
- 50 g bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 large can of Paris mushrooms
- 1 glass of white wine
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper
- Saffron or paprika
- Thyme
- Juice of one lemon

For garnish:
- 1 kg white potatoes, boiled in their skins
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- Saffron, aromatic salt, basil
- Olive oil
- Optional: black olives and grated cheese

Step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the bacon
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and once it’s hot, add the bacon. Fry until crispy and it releases its delicious flavor, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove it to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cooking the vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then, add the sliced carrots and drained canned mushrooms. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the vegetables are tender, remove them from the skillet and set them aside with the bacon.

Step 3: Preparing the chicken
In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Fry the chicken over medium heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Then, pour in the white wine and let it simmer on low heat until the liquid reduces by half, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Once the wine has reduced, add the sautéed vegetables and bacon back to the skillet. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Finally, add the saffron or paprika, along with thyme, to enhance the taste. Let it simmer on low heat for another 10-15 minutes, covering the skillet with a lid.

Step 5: Preparing the garnish
Meanwhile, prepare the garnish. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with butter and add the boiled potatoes, sliced. Top with the sliced tomatoes and onion, seasoning with salt, pepper, basil, and adding a few pieces of butter for a rich taste. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serving
Once the chicken is well cooked and the garnish is browned, it’s time to plate. Serve the chicken alongside the potato garnish, adding a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast. You can top with black olives and grated cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Useful tips:
- For an even more intense flavor: Let the chicken marinate in wine and lemon juice the night before cooking.
- Variation: You can also add other seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to diversify the recipe.
- Serving: This dish pairs perfectly with a chilled white wine, which will complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking for an even result.
- How can I make the recipe easier? You can use pre-cooked or fried chicken to reduce preparation time.

Portuguese Country Chicken is a recipe that combines tradition with the joy of cooking. A dish that not only nourishes but also brings people together, turning an ordinary meal into a celebration. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 large field chicken cut into pieces 50g bacon cut into pieces 2 chopped onions 3-4 cloves of minced garlic 3 carrots sliced into rounds 1 large can of Paris mushrooms 1 glass of white wine olive oil salt pepper saffron or paprika thyme from a lemon For garnish: 1 kg of boiled white potatoes 2 tomatoes and 1 onion sliced into rounds saffron, aromatic salt, basil optional black olives and grated cheese