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Crockpot Pumpkin Beer Braised Chicken

Crockpot Pumpkin Beer Braised Chicken
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This Crockpot Pumpkin Beer Braised Chicken is a hearty, flavorful, and tender slow-cooked dish that combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the maltiness of beer. Perfect for cozy fall dinners, it features juicy chicken thighs infused with autumn spices and fresh herbs, creating a comforting one-pot meal with minimal effort and delicious seasonal flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for optional browning)

Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Puree

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (thick, not watery)
  • 12 oz amber or brown beer
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Fresh Herbs and Spices

  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (additional, if desired)

Sweeteners (Optional)

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to build the first layer of flavor.
  2. Brown the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat a skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. This step adds texture and deepens the flavor of the dish.
  3. Layer Aromatics and Liquids: Place chopped onions and minced garlic in the bottom of your crockpot. Nestle the chicken thighs on top. Pour in the pumpkin puree, beer, and chicken broth. Add fresh rosemary, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, and optional brown sugar or maple syrup.
  4. Slow Cook to Tender Perfection: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become melt-in-your-mouth tender while absorbing the pumpkin and beer flavors.
  5. Finish and Serve: Taste the braising liquid and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and reduce the liquid on the stove over medium heat until it reaches your preferred consistency. Serve garnished with fresh parsley or thyme and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil.

Notes

  • Brown the chicken to develop a deeper flavor and appealing skin texture.
  • Use medium-bodied amber or brown ales for the best flavor balance with pumpkin.
  • Fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme brighten and balance the richness of the dish.
  • Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or brown sugar depending on your pumpkin and beer.
  • Use thick pumpkin puree rather than watery canned pumpkin for better sauce consistency.
  • If substituting chicken breasts or other cuts, monitor cooking times to prevent drying out.
  • This recipe can be adapted to an Instant Pot using the sauté and pressure cook functions.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin, beer, chicken, crockpot, slow cooker, fall recipe, autumn, braised chicken, hearty dinner

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