Chicken Baked In Beer
Juicy chicken baked with bacon, onions, and aromatic herbs in beer creates a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut bacon into small pieces; cook and drain.
- Brown chicken in bacon grease and set aside.
- Brown onions in the same pan.
- Drain excess fat from the pan.
- Mix dry ingredients (marjoram, thyme, pepper, salt) and add to the pan.
- Slowly stir in flour, followed by beer and vinegar, and cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Return chicken to a Pyrex dish.
- Pour onions and bacon over the chicken.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a dark beer like stout or porter instead of regular beer. If you're out of marjoram, dried oregano makes a suitable substitute. Make sure to use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning the onions. For a twist, try adding sliced mushrooms along with the onions for additional depth in flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Aunt Phyllis' Baked Chop Suey for a comforting dinner. Consider adding a crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the dish's moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Baked In Beer contains roughly 124 calories, with 7g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 732mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Boneless pieces typically cook faster, so check for doneness after 30-40 minutes.
What type of beer is best for this recipe?
A lager or pale ale works well, but a stout or porter can add a deeper flavor. Just avoid overly hoppy beers, as they can alter the dish's flavor profile.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).