Why You’ll Love This Garlickly Onion and Beer Braised Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor, you’re going to love this Garlicky Onion and Beer Braised Chicken recipe.
This dish combines tender chicken with savory onions and a rich beer-infused sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing. The aroma wafting through your kitchen while it cooks is simply irresistible.
Plus, it’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. It’s easy to prepare, and the slow cooking process makes everything so tender and delicious.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Enjoy the comfort!
Ingredients of Garlickly Onion and Beer Braised Chicken
When it comes to cooking, having a solid list of ingredients is key to ensuring everything comes together just right. For the Garlicky Onion and Beer Braised Chicken, you’ll gather a delightful mix of chicken, seasonings, and some liquid gold in the form of beer. Trust me, the combination is a game changer.
If you’ve ever wanted to impress your friends or family without spending all day in the kitchen, this recipe is your ticket. So, let’s plunge into what you’ll need to get started.
Ingredients for Garlicky Onion and Beer Braised Chicken:
- 2 – 3 lbs chicken (boneless or skinless breasts and thighs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 (12 ounce) bottle of beer (light amber recommended)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 medium onions, cut in half and thinly sliced
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic (or more, if you love garlic)
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 sprigs of thyme
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced fine
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
Now that we’ve our ingredients lined up, let’s talk about some considerations.
First off, don’t stress about finding the “perfect” beer; any beer you enjoy drinking will work just fine. It’s all about enhancing the flavor, and trust me, the chicken is going to soak up all that yummy goodness.
If you’re watching your spice levels, feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper – a little goes a long way, but adding just a pinch can really elevate the dish without blowing your taste buds away.
Just remember, cooking is all about having fun and making it your own—so don’t be afraid to experiment a little. Happy cooking!
How to Make Garlickly Onion and Beer Braised Chicken
Making Garlicky Onion and Beer Braised Chicken is like starting a delightful culinary adventure, one that’s surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. First things first, you’ll want to get your chicken ready. Grab 2 to 3 pounds of boneless or skinless chicken breasts and thighs, and pop them into a large baggie with 2 cups of buttermilk and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Now, give it a good shake and let it marinate overnight or at least for the day. This step is essential because it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. Just remember to bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking; we don’t want any cold chicken causing a ruckus in our pan.
Once you’ve got your chicken marinated and ready to go, it’s time to dredge. Mix 1/2 cup of flour with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper in a pie plate or small pan. After shaking off the excess buttermilk, coat those chicken pieces in the flour mixture and set them aside for about 10-15 minutes. This little drying time is vital for achieving that lovely golden crust when you sauté.
Heat up 1/4 cup of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and then add the chicken. Sauté each piece until it’s golden brown on both sides and remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to catch any excess oil.
Now comes the fun part—the sauce. In the same pan, toss in 2 medium onions, sliced thin, and let them cook for a couple of minutes before adding in 4 teaspoons of minced garlic. Stir it well, but keep an eye on that garlic; we don’t want it to burn. After a minute, deglaze the pan with a 12-ounce bottle of your chosen beer, scraping all those delicious little bits from the bottom.
Add in 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, and 3 sprigs of thyme, then bring it to a simmer for about 5 minutes. After that, return the chicken to the pan, cover it, and let it cook on medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes. The goal here is for the chicken to be so tender that it practically falls apart.
Once everything is cooked, remove the chicken along with the bay leaf and thyme, and let the sauce reduce uncovered for about 5 minutes. To thicken it, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water, add it to the sauce, and stir until it reaches that perfect gravy consistency. Toss in some minced parsley for a fresh finish, and voilà! You’ve got a dish that’s begging to be served over mashed potatoes or rice, with just a side of sautéed spinach. Enjoy the fruits of your labor—you’ve earned it.
Garlickly Onion and Beer Braised Chicken Substitutions & Variations
As you savor the deliciousness of Garlicky Onion and Beer Braised Chicken, you might find yourself wondering about ways to customize this dish to fit your taste or dietary needs.
You can easily swap chicken for turkey or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. If you’re avoiding gluten, use a gluten-free flour or skip the dredging altogether.
For a spicy kick, add more cayenne or toss in some jalapeños. Prefer a different flavor? Try substituting the beer with a non-alcoholic brew or chicken stock.
Each variation can create a unique twist while keeping the essence of this comforting dish.
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing Garlicky Onion and Beer Braised Chicken, I’ve found a few tips that can elevate the dish even further.
First, marinating the chicken overnight truly enhances the flavor and tenderness. If you want a deeper taste, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the marinade.
When sautéing, don’t overcrowd the pan; it’s better to work in batches for that perfect golden crust.
Finally, let the sauce reduce longer if you prefer a thicker gravy. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce—trust me, it’s a game changer.
Enjoy every bite!