Pollo Guisado: A Hearty, Flavorful Puerto Rican Chicken Stew
Pollo Guisado is a traditional Latin American dish made with chicken slowly stewed in a rich, flavorful sauce. This hearty dish is infused with tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and a mix of spices, making it comforting and full of vibrant flavors.
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.