Pollo en Salsa de Ajo y Cerveza
A flavorful Nicaraguan chicken dish featuring tender chicken pieces braised in a rich sauce made with garlic and beer, creating a savory and slightly tangy profile. This dish is perfect served with rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces)
- 2 medium Large onions(chopped)
- 8 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 can Lager beer(330ml)
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is well-seasoned for maximum flavor. - 2
Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot; sear in batches if necessary. - 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent.
- 4
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic. - 5
Deglaze the pot with the beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
💡 Tip: This adds a depth of flavor to the sauce. - 6
Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf, and return the chicken pieces to the pot.
💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid. - 7
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 8
Remove the bay leaf. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken it.
💡 Tip: Alternatively, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the simmering sauce. - 9
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with rice.
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provides the most flavor and moisture.
- ✓A good quality lager or pilsner works best for this recipe.
- ✓This dish can be made a day in advance; the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a slight tang.
- Include chopped bell peppers along with the onions for added color and flavor.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.