Description
Pollo Guisado is a traditional Latin Caribbean chicken stew, full of tender bone-in chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with peppers, onions, and bold spices. A comforting one-pot meal perfect for any night.
Ingredients
- Bone-In Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks: 2 pounds – Moist, flavorful, and perfect for stewing.
- Lime Juice or Vinegar: 2 tablespoons – For marinating and brightening the dish.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced – Adds depth and aromatic punch.
- Adobo Seasoning: 1 tablespoon – A classic Latin spice blend for full-bodied flavor.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – For browning and sautéing.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, sliced – Forms the sweet, savory backbone of the sauce.
- Bell Pepper (red or green): 1 large, sliced – Adds color and mild sweetness.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons – Concentrated flavor that thickens the stew.
- Diced Tomatoes (canned): 1 (14.5 oz) can – Juicy, acidic base for the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups – Rich, savory liquid for braising.
- Sazón with Annatto: 1 packet – Adds color and iconic Latin flavor.
- Bay Leaf: 1 – Brings subtle herbal notes.
- Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped – A bright finish with a pop of green.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – To taste.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon – Rounds out the seasoning.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, toss chicken with lime juice or vinegar, garlic, adobo seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, skin-side down. Sear until golden brown on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish: In the same pot, sauté onions and peppers until softened. Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes, sazón, bay leaf, and a splash of broth to deglaze the pot.
- Cook to Perfection: Return chicken to the pot and pour in remaining broth. Cover and simmer on low heat for 35–40 minutes until chicken is tender and infused with sauce.
- Finishing Touches: Uncover and simmer another 10 minutes to thicken the stew. Adjust seasoning and stir in fresh cilantro.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle chicken and sauce over rice or with plantains. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for deeper flavor — even 30 minutes helps.
- Use bone-in pieces for richness and tender results.
- Let stew rest before serving for maximum flavor development.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months — it’s even better later.