Chicken with beer and raisins
Chicken with beer and raisins is something I make quite often, especially when I have drumsticks on hand and don't feel like standing by the stove. The recipe is simple, made with a few basic ingredients, without the need for any special techniques. The beer and raisins give it a sweet flavor, while the rosemary and lemon add a bit of freshness. I like that everything is done in a single pan and pairs well with any quick side dish.
Quick Info
Total time: about 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour (45 minutes covered + 20 minutes uncovered)
Servings: 5-6
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: main course, oven-baked chicken
Ingredients
1.5 kg chicken (I usually use drumsticks)
400 ml beer
1 handful of raisins
1 lemon
salt
pepper
dulce paprika
hot paprika
rosemary
For the side: mix of Mexican vegetables or any frozen vegetable mix you prefer.
Preparation Method
1. Wash the chicken pieces and dry them well. If necessary, remove any unwanted fluff or skin.
2. Place the meat in a large baking dish. Season directly in the dish, using salt, pepper, dulce paprika, and, if desired, a little hot paprika. Sprinkle rosemary all over. Turn the chicken to ensure it is well coated on all sides.
3. Slice the lemon thinly. Place the slices over the chicken, covering it as evenly as possible.
4. Sprinkle a handful of raisins over the meat.
5. Pour the beer into the dish, next to the chicken, not directly over the meat. This way, the seasonings remain on the surface and do not wash into the liquid.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
7. Place the dish in the preheated oven at 180-200°C. Leave it covered for 45 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook well in the steam.
8. After 45 minutes, remove the foil. Put the dish back in the oven for another 20 minutes, to brown slightly and reduce the sauce a bit.
9. If using a mix of Mexican vegetables, you can cook them separately, steamed or quickly sautéed, while the chicken is in the oven.
Why I make the recipe often
Chicken with beer and raisins often makes the list of simple family meals because it doesn't require much attention. It can be made in advance, comes out tender, and the beer and raisin sauce pairs well with many sides. It's a dish that you can't really mess up if you follow the basic steps.
Tips and Variations
Tips
It's important not to pour the beer over the meat, so you don't wash away the seasonings.
If you have smaller or larger pieces of chicken, adjust the cooking time, but keep the ratio between covered and uncovered time.
Check the liquid in the dish at the end; if you want a thicker sauce, leave it uncovered for another 5-10 minutes.
Substitutions
You can use thighs, wings, or chicken breast, but drumsticks remain the most suitable for long baking.
Raisins can be omitted if you don't like them, but they add a unique flavor.
Rosemary can be replaced with thyme or other herbs, according to taste.
Variations
You can add other spices: dried or fresh garlic, a bit of cumin, or ground coriander.
You can use blonde or dark beer, depending on what you have, although blonde beer is more neutral in taste.
If you want a sweeter sauce, add a few more raisins or a bit of brown sugar at the beginning.
Serving Ideas
The mix of Mexican vegetables is a quick side, but it also goes well with simple mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, or rice.
You can add a green salad or pickles, especially in winter.
If there's sauce left in the dish, it goes well with fresh bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of meat besides drumsticks?
Yes, thighs or breast work just as well, just adjust the cooking time a bit if the pieces are very thick or thin.
Do the raisins burn in the oven?
No, because they stay in liquid and under foil for most of the time. Only towards the end, when you remove the foil, can they caramelize slightly, but they won't burn.
If I don't have rosemary, what can I use?
Thyme or even a bit of sage. It can also be done without it, but a dry herb helps with flavor.
What kind of beer is suitable for this recipe?
Any simple blonde beer without special flavors. There's no need for something very bitter or stout.
Can I make the recipe without aluminum foil?
You can, but the meat won't remain as tender, and the sauce will reduce much faster. It is recommended to cover it at the beginning.
Nutritional Values
Estimate for one serving (out of a total of 6):
Calories approximately 350-400 kcal
Protein 28-30 g
Fat 18-22 g
Carbohydrates 10-12 g (from raisins and lemon, plus a bit from beer)
Values vary depending on the type of meat used and the amount of sauce consumed. Boiling the beer reduces the alcohol significantly, so only the carbohydrates remain.
Storage and Reheating
The meat can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days in a covered container. It can be reheated in the microwave or oven, along with the sauce. I do not recommend keeping it longer, as the beer sauce changes flavor after two days. The vegetable side lasts even less, best made fresh.
Ingredients: 1.5 kg chicken (I personally used drumsticks) 400 ml beer 1 handful of raisins 1 lemon salt, pepper, sweet paprika, hot paprika, rosemary
