Savory Beer-Braised Rabbit (or Chicken) Delight
Indulge in a heartwarming dish of Beer-Braised Rabbit (or Chicken) crafted in your trusty crock pot. This recipe elevates a classic one-dish meal with the rich flavors of beer and savory vegetables. The tenderness of the meat paired with the earthy potatoes and sweet carrots will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish can also be easily adapted for an oven-baked finish. Serve it drizzled with a luscious sauce, and watch it become a culinary star at your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rabbit or Chicken
2 - 2 1/2 lbs (Dressed, cut into pieces)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (For browning the meat)
Potatoes
3 medium (Peeled and halved)
Carrots
3 - 4 (Peeled and bias-cut into 1-inch pieces)
Onion
1 (Thinly sliced)
Beer
1 cup (Any type; for braising)
Chili Sauce
1/4 cup (For added flavor)
Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon (To balance flavors)
Garlic
1 clove (Minced)
Cold Water
1/3 cup (For thickening sauce)
All-Purpose Flour
3 tablespoons (For thickening sauce)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Paprika
To garnish (Optional)
Parsley
To garnish (Optional)
Instructions
1
Start by layering the bottom of your crock pot with the peeled and halved potatoes, followed by the bias-cut carrots and thinly sliced onion.
2
Season the dressed rabbit or broiler-fryer chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the meat thoroughly on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3
Once browned, transfer the meat to the crock pot and layer it on top of the vegetables meticulously.
4
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beer, chili sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the rabbit or chicken in the crock pot, ensuring the meat is well coated.
5
Cover the crock pot and cook on the high setting for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked.
6
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the meat and drain the vegetables from the crock pot. Set them aside.
7
Measure the remaining cooking liquid. If you have less than 1.5 cups, add additional beer, water, or broth to reach the target measurement.
8
Pour the reserved cooking liquid into a saucepan over medium heat. In a separate bowl or a gravy shaker, mix 1/3 cup of cold water with the all-purpose flour and shake until smooth.
9
Stir this flour mixture into the reserved liquid, cooking while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
10
Return the meat and vegetables to the crock pot. Serve generously drizzled with the thickened sauce, and for an extra touch, sprinkle with paprika and fresh parsley for garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of meat can be used for this Beer-Braised recipe?
You can use either 2 to 2.5 lbs of dressed rabbit or broiler-fryer chicken pieces.
How much olive oil is required for browning the meat?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The 3 medium potatoes should be peeled and halved before being placed in the crock pot.
What is the correct way to cut the carrots?
The 3 to 4 carrots should be peeled and bias-cut into 1-inch pieces.
How should the onion be sliced?
The single onion should be thinly sliced.
What kind of beer should I use for braising?
You can use 1 cup of any type of beer for this recipe.
How much chili sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chili sauce for added flavor.
Why is brown sugar added to the braising liquid?
One tablespoon of brown sugar is used to balance the savory flavors of the dish.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 clove of minced garlic.
What are the garnish options?
Optional garnishes include paprika and fresh parsley.
How long should I brown the meat in the skillet?
The meat should be browned thoroughly on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes.
What is the layering order in the crock pot?
Start with potatoes on the bottom, followed by carrots and onion, then place the browned meat on top.
What are the cooking time and setting for the crock pot?
Cook on the high setting for 3.5 to 4 hours.
How do I know when the meat is done?
The meat is ready when it is tender and fully cooked.
How much cooking liquid is needed for the sauce?
You should aim for 1.5 cups of cooking liquid.
What if I have less than 1.5 cups of cooking liquid?
If you have less than 1.5 cups, add additional beer, water, or broth to reach the target amount.
What is used to thicken the sauce?
A mixture of 1/3 cup cold water and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken on the stove?
It takes about 5 to 7 minutes of constant stirring over medium heat.
Can this recipe be prepared in the oven?
Yes, the recipe can be easily adapted for an oven-baked finish.
What temperature should the skillet be for browning?
The olive oil should be heated over medium-high heat.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
Should the meat be seasoned before browning?
Yes, season the dressed meat pieces with salt and pepper to taste before browning.
What should I do with the meat and vegetables after they finish cooking?
Carefully remove the meat and drain the vegetables from the crock pot, setting them aside while you prepare the sauce.
Is the chili sauce mixed with the beer?
Yes, whisk together the beer, chili sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl.
Does the flour mixture need to be smooth?
Yes, shake or mix the flour and cold water until the mixture is smooth before adding it to the liquid.
How is the dish finally served?
Return the meat and vegetables to the crock pot and serve generously drizzled with the thickened sauce.
Can I use a broiler-fryer chicken?
Yes, a broiler-fryer chicken cut into pieces is a perfect substitute for rabbit.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 carrots.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is layering the bottom of the crock pot with peeled and halved potatoes.
What provides the earthy flavor in this dish?
The potatoes and carrots provide earthy and sweet flavors that complement the beer-braised meat.