Il Cucinologo
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Oven-Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Fennel and Mushrooms

17/11/2023

The recipe for oven-baked chicken drumsticks with fennel and mushrooms is a tasty and easy-to-prepare dish. If you don’t have all the ingredients, I can suggest some alternatives.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 medium fennel bulbs
  • 250 g mushrooms (button or porcini, depending on availability)
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • Fresh rosemary to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1/2 glass of white wine
  • Juice of one lemon (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 190 °C.
  2. Clean the chicken drumsticks and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and some chopped rosemary, then drizzle with a little oil.
  3. Clean and slice the fennel and garlic cloves.
  4. Clean the mushrooms and slice them or leave whole if small.
  5. In a large baking dish, spread a drizzle of oil and arrange the chicken drumsticks.
  6. Add the fennel, mushrooms, and garlic around the drumsticks, sprinkling with more chopped rosemary.
  7. Drizzle everything with white wine and, if desired, add the lemon juice for a tangy note.
  8. Bake and cook for about 40-45 minutes or until the chicken is nicely golden and the fennel is tender. Halfway through cooking, turn the chicken drumsticks and stir the vegetables for even browning.
  9. Serve the chicken drumsticks hot, accompanied by the fennel and mushrooms.

Fun Fact

Fennel is an ingredient little used outside Mediterranean countries, but in Italy it is highly appreciated for its slightly sweet and anise-like aroma, which combines beautifully with the flavor of chicken and mushrooms. This dish has a unique and refined taste that lends itself well to a special dinner or a family Sunday.

Remember to pair the dish with a wine that can enhance the flavors. A full-bodied white, like a Verdicchio or a Fiano, would be perfect. And if you have different needs or preferences, I’m here to help you customize the recipe!