Crispy Beer Chicken: the crispy, juicy recipe for making beer chicken legs in a skillet

Crispy and juicy at the same time? Yes, please! This Crispy Beer Chicken is an easy main dish recipe to make—whether you make it as a quick dinner for the family, or when you want to feed a large crowd. Chicken cuts are affordable meat options, and there are many ways to cook them.

In this recipe, the chicken legs are marinated in beer and then fried. This makes them crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You don’t need any special ingredients. Grab a beer (for the meal, not for drinking), some sugar, and a few chicken legs, and make this beer chicken! You’ll love it!

What Is The Best Beer To Use For Beer Chicken Legs?

The best beer for this recipe would be a lager. It’s not too bitter or hoppy like an ale, but also not yeasty like a Weiss. Of course, you can play around with different beer styles (and even ciders) until you find your favorite.

How To Make Crispy Beer Chicken

This is an easy recipe. Start by marinating the chicken legs in a mixture of beer, water, and sugar. Allow to marinate for 3 hours.

Fry the chicken legs until golden on both sides. Pour in the marinade, and allow to cook through. Remember to check the doneness with a kitchen thermometer!

Tips for the Best Beer Chicken Legs

This recipe will work with other chicken cuts too! Use either chicken breast or chicken thighs.

You can also make beer chicken in the oven. Once browned, transfer the chicken pieces (with the marinade) to an oven-safe baking dish. Bake for 35 minutes at 200°F.

What To Serve With Crispy Beer Chicken

Serve the Crispy Beer Chicken with your favorite roast veggies (broccoli, red pepper, or green beans) and mashed potato.

Remember to finish off with a delicious gravy!

How To Store Beer Chicken

Store leftover beer chicken in an airtight container (in the fridge) for up to 4 days. Leftover chicken can also be used in sandwiches, salads, or pasta. Simply reheat them in the microwave.

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Instructions

Pour the beer, water, salt, and brown sugar into a bowl. Stir.

Arrange the chicken legs in a large dish.

Pour the mixture over the chicken legs. Allow it to marinate for 3 hours.

Cook chicken legs in the pan.

When they turn brown, pour the marinade over them. Bring to simmer. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

When browning the chicken, don’t be alarmed if it’s still pink in the middle, it will continue cooking once you add the marinade. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.