This BBQ chilli chicken with drunken pinto beans is a bold and flavorful dish that brings together smoky heat and rich, comforting sides. The chicken is marinated in a deep adobo-style paste made with dried chillies, spices, and citrus. As a result, the meat becomes tender, juicy, and packed with layered flavor. At the same time, the pinto beans simmer in beer, creating a hearty and slightly earthy side that perfectly complements the grilled chicken.
First, the marinade is the heart of this recipe. The combination of chipotle, guajillo, and ancho chillies creates a balanced heat. Meanwhile, garlic, oregano, and spices add depth and warmth. Because of this, the chicken develops a rich coating that caramelizes beautifully during grilling. In addition, the lime juice and vinegar bring brightness, which keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
If you enjoy bold barbecue dishes, you might also like this Grilled Chicken Sandwich. It offers a simpler option with similar grilled flavors. For safe preparation and proper cooking temperatures, always follow the recommendations from the FDA.
BBQ Chilli Chicken With Drunken Pinto Beans for Bold Flavor
Next, the cooking process brings everything together. The chicken is grilled until slightly charred and juicy. By brushing extra marinade during cooking, the flavor builds with each turn. As a result, the outside becomes smoky and caramelized, while the inside stays tender. Meanwhile, the beans cook slowly in beer, which gives them a deep and rounded taste.
In addition, the pinto beans add texture and balance. The onion, garlic, and jalapeño create a savory base. Then, the beer enhances the flavor and gives the dish its “drunken” character. Because of this, the beans become rich without overpowering the chicken.
Finally, this BBQ chilli chicken with drunken pinto beans is perfect for sharing. It works well for outdoor grilling or a hearty dinner at home. Once you try this dish, it will quickly become a favorite for anyone who enjoys bold barbecue flavors.
BBQ Chilli Chicken With Drunken Pinto Beans
Equipment
- oven
- Grill pan or barbecue
- Food processor
- large pan
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken butterflied
- 3 plum tomatoes
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 dried chipotle chillies
- 4 dried guajillo chillies
- 4 dried ancho chillies
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 10 allspice berries
- 4 cloves
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 100 ml vinegar
- 2 limes
- 1 white onion
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 jalapeño chillies
- Olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 plum tomatoes
- 2 cans pinto beans
- 330 ml beer
- Fresh coriander
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Roast the tomatoes and garlic for 30 minutes until soft.
- Soak the dried chillies in hot water for 15 minutes.
- Drain the chillies and reserve some liquid.
- Blend chillies, garlic, tomatoes, oregano, spices, salt, and pepper into a paste.
- Add vinegar, lime juice, and some soaking liquid and blend again.
- Place the chicken in the marinade and coat well.
- Cover and marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking.
- Preheat the grill or pan to medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes per side, turning once and brushing with marinade.
- Rest the chicken before serving.
- Slice onion and garlic.
- Chop the jalapeño chillies.
- Heat oil in a pan and cook onion, garlic, chillies, and bay leaves for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes and pinto beans.
- Season and add the beer.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in chopped coriander and remove from heat.
- Cut the chicken into pieces and serve with the pinto beans.

