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Crockpot Pumpkin Beer Braised Chicken

Crockpot Pumpkin Beer Braised Chicken
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Crockpot Pumpkin Beer Braised Chicken is a comforting slow-cooked dish featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs braised in a savory-sweet blend of pumpkin puree and rich beer, accented by fresh herbs and aromatic onions and garlic. Perfect for busy days, this hearty autumn-inspired meal infuses deep, layered flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Meat

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Liquids and Sauces

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 12 oz beer (amber ale, brown ale, stout, or lager)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup

Aromatics and Herbs

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper to lock in moisture and build flavor before browning.
  2. Brown the Chicken: In a hot skillet, sear chicken skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes, then flip and brown the other side for 3-4 minutes to deepen flavor and texture.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Combine the Braising Ingredients: In the crockpot, mix pumpkin puree, beer, chicken broth, brown sugar or maple syrup, thyme, and rosemary, stirring well to integrate all flavors.
  5. Add Chicken and Slow Cook: Place the seared chicken thighs atop the mixture in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and falls off the bone effortlessly.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove chicken and stir the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. To thicken, simmer sauce uncovered in a pan or whisk in a cornstarch slurry if desired. Serve garnished with fresh parsley or thyme.

Notes

  • Brown the chicken: Don’t skip browning; it adds crucial flavor and texture.
  • Choose the right beer: Use a beer you enjoy drinking, as its flavor intensifies in the dish.
  • Don’t overfill the crockpot: Leave space for even cooking and better flavor infusion.
  • Use bone-in thighs: They stay more tender and juicy compared to breasts during slow cooking.
  • Fresh herbs: Add near the end or during cooking depending on desired flavor strength.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin chicken recipe, crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, beer braised chicken, autumn chicken recipe, comfort food, pumpkin and beer chicken

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/crockpot-pumpkin-beer-braised-chicken/