Beer-Braised Chicken Thighs with Herbs

Pollo alla Birra (Beer-Braised Chicken)
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken
   Begin by preparing the chicken thighs. Trim away any excess fat from the pieces of chicken. Season the chicken thighs generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. After seasoning, place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or mixing dish.

2. Marinate the Chicken
   Add the rosemary sprigs, bay leaves, sage, and the whole garlic clove (left unpeeled) to the bowl with the chicken. Pour the light beer over the chicken, ensuring the thighs are fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to marinate for at least an hour, or longer if possible, for the flavors to infuse.

3. Prepare the Chicken for Cooking
   After marinating, remove the chicken thighs from the bowl and lightly dredge them in all-purpose flour. Ensure each thigh is coated evenly, then shake off any excess flour.

4. Brown the Chicken
   Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the hot pan and allow it to heat up. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs in the pan, skin-side down. Sear the thighs for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. This step helps lock in the juices and flavors, creating a crispy skin that contrasts beautifully with the braised meat.

5. Simmer with Herbs and Beer
   Once the chicken is browned on both sides, add the marinated rosemary, sage, and bay leaves (which you used for marinating) back into the pan. Pour the marinating beer into the pan, and lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the chicken simmer gently in the beer bath for about 40 minutes. This slow cooking process will tenderize the chicken and allow it to absorb all the rich, aromatic flavors of the herbs and beer.

6. Final Touches
   After 40 minutes, check the chicken to ensure it’s tender and fully cooked through. You may remove the lid in the last few minutes of cooking if you’d like the sauce to reduce a bit, but keep in mind that the sauce should remain somewhat fluid to complement the chicken.

7. Serving Suggestions
   Once the chicken is cooked and the flavors have melded together, it’s ready to serve. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted potatoes, which will soak up the delicious beer-infused sauce. You could also serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Nutritional Information
(Approximate per serving, assuming four servings):

Tips for Success

• To enhance the flavor even more, let the chicken marinate for several hours or overnight if you have time.
• You can substitute dark beer for a richer flavor, but light beer will keep the dish lighter and more aromatic.
• If you prefer, you can also cook this dish in a Dutch oven for a more rustic, slow-cooked texture.

This classic Italian recipe, “Pollo alla Birra,” offers a flavorful twist on traditional chicken dishes, bringing together the depth of beer with fresh herbs for a savory, aromatic meal. It’s an ideal choice for a family dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Enjoy!