Yats Drunken Chicken Recipe

Yats Drunken Chicken is a rich, comforting dish made with tender chicken simmered in a flavourful sauce with beer, stock, herbs, and gentle spices. The chicken becomes beautifully juicy while the sauce turns glossy and deeply savoury with a slight sweetness. It is an easy recipe with simple steps, making it ideal for weeknight cooking or casual entertaining. Total time is around 1 hour, including preparation and cooking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 skinless chicken thighs
Salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
330ml lager or pale beer
250ml chicken stock
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme

To Finish

1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Yats Drunken Chicken Recipe

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan. Place a shelf in the middle of the oven so the dish cooks evenly.
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof pan. Brown the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, then remove to a plate.
Cook the onions: Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic for 1 minute.
Build the sauce: Add tomato paste, brown sugar, paprika and thyme. Stir well, then pour in the beer and stock.
Return the chicken: Place the chicken back into the pan, spooning some sauce over the top.
Bake: Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 35 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Finish the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornflour mixture on the hob and simmer for 2 minutes.
Serve: Scatter with parsley and serve hot.

Tips

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Use chicken thighs rather than breast meat, as they stay juicy during baking.

Which beer works best?

A light lager or pale ale gives flavour without bitterness.

Can I make the sauce richer?

Add a knob of butter at the end for a glossy finish.

How do I stop the sauce becoming thin?

Simmer uncovered for a few minutes or use the cornflour mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy mashed potatoes
Steamed white rice
Buttered noodles
Crusty bread
Green beans or peas

Storage

Room Temperature

Do not leave out for more than 2 hours after cooking.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat until piping hot.

Freezing

Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 420 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: 620mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I make Yats Drunken Chicken without alcohol?

Yes, replace the beer with extra chicken stock and a splash of apple juice for balance.

Can I use chicken breast instead?

Yes, though breast meat cooks faster and can dry out more easily than thighs.

What does drunken chicken taste like?

It has a savoury, rich flavour with gentle sweetness and depth from the beer sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats very well and the flavour improves after resting overnight.