Drunken Chicken-Guatemala(Pollo En Pulque)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 80 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Mexican

Guatemalan Pollo En Pulque features tender chicken breasts simmered in a spicy, aromatic sauce with beer, tomato, jalapeno, and warm spices, perfect for hearty gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 8 chicken breasts with skin
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 cup dark beer
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1/2 tsp. allspice, crushed
  • 1 small stick of cinnamon
  • salt
  • 6 red potatoes, cut in quarters

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté for 3-5 minutes until tender.
  4. Pour the onion and garlic mixture into a large casserole dish and place chicken breasts on top.
  5. In a bowl, mix dark beer, chicken broth, diced tomato, diced jalapeno, crushed allspice, cinnamon stick, and salt. Stir until blended.
  6. Pour the beer mixture over the chicken in the casserole dish.
  7. Bake covered for 30 minutes.
  8. Add the quartered potatoes to the dish and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes.
  9. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top starts to brown.
  10. Remove the cinnamon stick after baking.
  11. Serve hot, optionally with rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the beer mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have dark beer, a stout or porter can work well as a substitute. For a milder version, consider using bell peppers instead of jalapenos. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before baking, especially if using low-sodium broth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Drunken Chicken with a side of rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables would complement the dish nicely. For a more festive touch, consider pairing it with Mama'S Enchiladas or other Mexican recipes for a complete meal experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Drunken Chicken-Guatemala(Pollo En Pulque) contains roughly 364 calories, with 8g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1134mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

364 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.2g 16% DV
Total Fat 13.7g 18% DV
Carbs 55.6g 20% DV
Fiber 5.4g 19% DV
Sugar 12g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1133.7mg 49% DV
Potassium 485.7mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 9.8mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 85mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 36mg 40% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 158.1mg 12% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

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 breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time since they tend to cook faster. Check for doneness after 25 minutes to ensure they don't dry out.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that using water may result in a less flavorful dish, so adding extra seasonings can help enhance the taste.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

For a vegetarian version, consider using hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant in place of chicken, and replace the broth with vegetable broth. The cooking process remains the same, ensuring a rich flavor from the beer and spices.

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).

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