Description
Pollo a la cerveza is a flavorful, comforting Spanish dish where tender chicken is simmered in a rich beer and vegetable sauce. This easy-to-make recipe brings out savory flavors through slow cooking, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or special gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 chicken drumsticks (or thighs or a mix)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 330 ml of beer (one small can or bottle)
- 200 ml of chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken:
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside. - Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and red bell pepper over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until softened and slightly browned. - Add Beer and Deglaze:
Pour the beer into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a spatula to release any browned bits. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to evaporate some alcohol and develop flavor. - Combine and Simmer:
Return the chicken to the skillet and add the chicken broth and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender. If the sauce reduces too much, add more broth or water as needed. - Serve:
Once done, remove the bay leaf and serve the chicken hot. Garnish with chopped parsley and pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks, as darker meat will be more tender and juicy.
- For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for a few minutes at the end.
- Substitute with non-alcoholic beer if preferred.
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove Cooking, Braising
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Nutritional Facts (approx. per serving):
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg