Beer chicken, also known as pollo a la cerveza, is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The chicken is simmered in a rich and aromatic beer sauce, resulting in tender and juicy meat that’s bursting with flavor. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make beer chicken using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.

Ingredients

To make beer chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 chicken legs or thighs

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup beer

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon flour

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 2

Season the chicken legs or thighs with salt and pepper.

Step 3

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until browned.

Step 5

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 6

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until translucent.

Step 7

Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and dried oregano to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 8

Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir to combine.

Step 9

Pour in the beer and chicken broth and stir until the mixture is smooth.

Step 10

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.

Step 11

Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 12

Serve the beer chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Secrets to Making Great Beer Chicken

While the recipe for beer chicken may seem straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks that can help take your dish to the next level. Here are some secrets to making a delicious and flavorful beer chicken:

• Brown the chicken well: When cooking the chicken in the skillet, make sure to brown it well on both sides. This will help to develop a rich flavor and crispy texture.
• Use quality beer: The beer you use in this recipe will greatly affect the overall flavor of the dish. Opt for a high-quality beer with a rich and complex flavor for the best results.
• Don’t skimp on the spices: The smoked paprika and dried oregano add depth and complexity to the beer sauce. Make sure to use fresh and high-quality spices for the best flavor.

Beer and Food

Beer is a versatile beverage that can be used in a wide variety of dishes to add depth and complexity of flavor. When used in cooking, the hops and malt in beer can help tenderize meat, add a rich, savory flavor to stews and sauces, and even act as a leavening agent in bread.

A popular use of beer in cooking is in marinades and sauces for meats such as chicken, beef and pork. The acidic properties of beer help to break down the proteins in meat, resulting in tender, juicy cuts. The carbonation of beer can also help tenderize meat by allowing the marinade to penetrate deeper into the fibers.

Beer can also be used as a substitute for water or broth in soups, stews and chili recipes. The rich, complex flavors of beer can add depth and complexity to the dish, making it more flavorful.

In addition to being used in savory dishes, beer can also be used in desserts. Stout beer is often used in chocolate cakes and brownies to add a rich and chocolatey flavor. Beer can also be used in bread recipes to add flavor and act as a leavening agent, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.

How to Store Beer Chicken

Proper storage is essential for keeping beer chicken fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips for storing your beer chicken:

Refrigerate promptly

After cooking the beer chicken, make sure to refrigerate any leftovers promptly. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s important to get the chicken in the fridge as soon as possible.

Store in an airtight container 

To help keep the chicken fresh and prevent it from drying out, store it in an airtight container. This will also help to prevent any odors from other foods in the fridge from affecting the flavor of the chicken.

Use within 3-4 days

Cooked chicken should be consumed within 3-4 days of cooking. After this time, the chicken may begin to spoil and become unsafe to eat.

Freeze for longer storage:

If you have leftover chicken that you won’t be able to eat within 3-4 days, consider freezing it for longer storage. Place the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and label it with the date. Frozen beer chicken can be stored for up to 4 months.

Rice and Beans Tacos Dorados

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal to pair with your beer chicken, why not try out this recipe Tacos Dorados? These crispy tacos are filled with a savory mixture of rice, beans, and spices, and are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any leftover rice you may have from making the beer chicken.

So the next time you’re craving some delicious tacos to go with your beer chicken, give this recipe for Rice and Beans Tacos Dorados a try. You won’t be disappointed! 

Beer chicken is a tasty and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a backyard BBQ, or a potluck with friends, beer chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its juicy, flavorful meat and crispy skin, it’s no wonder that beer chicken has become a staple of many households.

And don’t forget to pair your beer chicken with some delicious side dishes like Rice and Beans Tacos Dorados!