If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that’s rich in flavor and full of heart, Pollo Guisado is the answer. This traditional Puerto Rican chicken stew is packed with tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a medley of seasonings that make it the ultimate cozy dinner. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, offering comfort and a little bit of home with every bite.
Pollo Guisado (which translates to “stewed chicken”) is a dish that has deep roots in Puerto Rican culture. It’s often served for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply as a satisfying dinner during the week. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—yet it’s packed with so much flavor, you’ll be hooked after the first spoonful. The chicken is braised in a delicious sauce made with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices, and the result is a comforting, savory dish that’s perfect with a side of rice and beans.
Whether you’ve never made Pollo Guisado before or you’re just looking for a new twist on a classic, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavors – The chicken is braised in a rich, aromatic sauce full of fresh herbs and spices.
- Simple ingredients – You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, just pantry staples and fresh veggies.
- Comfort food at its finest – This stew is the ultimate cozy, soul-satisfying meal.
- Perfect for meal prep – Pollo Guisado reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.
- Crowd-pleasing – It’s a great recipe for family dinners or gatherings because it serves a crowd and is loved by all ages.
- Versatile – You can easily adjust the recipe to your liking with different vegetables or seasonings.
- Easy to make – The recipe is straightforward, and it’s hard to go wrong with such simple steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pollo Guisado is made with a variety of fresh ingredients that come together to create a flavorful sauce and tender chicken. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for a quicker version)
(Bone-in chicken adds so much flavor to the dish as it stews in the sauce.) - 1 tablespoon olive oil
(For browning the chicken and starting the stew.) - 1 medium onion, chopped
(Onions provide a great base flavor.) - 1 bell pepper, chopped (green or red)
(Bell pepper adds sweetness and a little crunch.) - 4 garlic cloves, minced
(Garlic is essential for the flavor depth.) - 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
(Fresh tomatoes add sweetness and a bit of acidity to balance the dish.) - 1/2 cup tomato sauce
(For the base of the stew sauce.) - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
(Cumin gives the dish its signature earthy flavor.) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
(Oregano adds a slightly peppery, aromatic note.) - 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
(Paprika brings in a subtle smokiness.) - 1 teaspoon sazon seasoning
(Sazon is a key seasoning in Puerto Rican cooking—adds a touch of color and a burst of flavor.) - 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
(Adobo is another staple seasoning that adds savory depth to the dish.) - 1 bay leaf
(For aromatic depth and a little bit of floral flavor.) - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
(Potatoes are a great addition to the stew, soaking up the flavors while adding some heartiness.) - 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed olives (optional)
(Olives add a little briny, tangy contrast to the rich stew.) - 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
(For braising the chicken and creating a flavorful sauce.) - Salt and pepper, to taste
(For seasoning to your preference.) - Chopped cilantro (optional)
(For garnish and a burst of fresh flavor.)
(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1: Brown the chicken
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point; the goal is just to get a nice, golden color on the chicken. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. This step is key for building the base of your stew, as the veggies will release their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes and seasonings
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato sauce to the pot, stirring well to combine. Then, add the ground cumin, oregano, paprika, sazon, adobo, and bay leaf. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to toast in the pot for a minute or two. This brings out the full flavor of the seasonings.
Step 4: Return the chicken to the pot
Place the browned chicken pieces back into the pot, nestling them into the tomato sauce mixture. Add the potatoes and olives (if using), and pour in the chicken broth. Stir to combine everything, making sure the chicken is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot and letting the stew simmer gently.
Step 5: Simmer the stew
Let the chicken simmer for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the potatoes are soft. You can check the doneness by piercing the chicken with a fork—it should shred easily, and the potatoes should be fork-tender.
Step 6: Adjust seasonings and serve
Once everything is cooked, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Serve the Pollo Guisado over a bed of white rice for the full Puerto Rican experience. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Helpful Tips
Use bone-in chicken for maximum flavor
Bone-in chicken thighs or a whole chicken work best for this recipe, as the bones impart a rich, savory flavor to the stew. However, if you’re short on time, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs—just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Don’t skip the seasoning
The seasonings are what really elevate this dish, so don’t skip the sazon or adobo. These two spices are key to achieving that distinct Puerto Rican flavor.
Adjust the heat
If you like your food with a little kick, feel free to add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the aromatics. It’s an easy way to introduce a little heat without overwhelming the dish.
Serve with rice and beans
Pollo Guisado is typically served with a side of white rice and some Puerto Rican beans (such as habichuelas guisadas). The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, and the beans complement the stew perfectly. Don’t forget to make extra if you’re serving a crowd!
Meal prep
This dish makes fantastic leftovers and is a great candidate for meal prepping. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little chicken broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe with other meats?
Yes! While Pollo Guisado is traditionally made with chicken, you can easily substitute it with pork, beef, or even turkey. Just adjust the cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first. Cooking frozen chicken directly in the stew can result in uneven cooking.
Is this dish spicy?
Pollo Guisado is not typically spicy, but if you like a bit of heat, feel free to add chopped chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the vegetables.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! If you’d like to make this in a slow cooker, simply brown the chicken and sauté the veggies, then add everything to the slow cooker with the broth and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Final Thoughts
Pollo Guisado is a classic Puerto Rican comfort food that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With its tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and rich, flavorful sauce, it’s a meal that will leave everyone feeling full, satisfied, and happy. It’s the perfect dish to make when you want something delicious, hearty, and easy to whip up.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy weeknight or making it for a special gathering, Pollo Guisado brings people together with its incredible flavors. I make this dish often because it’s a crowd-pleaser and always makes the kitchen smell amazing. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—this one’s definitely going to be on your regular rotation!
Pollo Guisado: A Hearty, Flavorful Puerto Rican Chicken Stew
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the tomatoes and spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, turmeric, and bay leaf. Cook for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the chicken: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice, potatoes, or tortillas.
Notes
- You can use chicken breast for a leaner version, but dark meat like thighs or drumsticks provides more flavor.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of chopped scallions just before serving.
- Serve with a side of rice or beans to complete the meal.
