Irresistible Pollo Guisado: A Flavorful Chicken Stew

The aroma of pollo guisado wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace that feels like a hug from your favorite aunt. Picture tender chicken simmering in a rich blend of spices and vegetables, creating a stew that dances on your taste buds and warms your soul. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a delicious memory waiting to happen.

I remember the first time I made pollo guisado for my friends. They walked into my kitchen, their eyes lighting up like kids on Christmas morning. The laughter, the chatter, and those satisfied sighs were proof that this dish brings people together, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights.

My friends couldn’t stop raving about how tender the chicken was and how the flavors melded beautifully. It became an instant classic in our dinner rotation.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for their juicy texture and rich flavor; they hold up wonderfully during cooking.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for best flavor; minced garlic adds depth to the sauce.

• Bell Peppers: A mix of colors not only enhances visual appeal but also adds sweetness and crunch.

• Onion: Yellow onions are great for adding sweetness as they caramelize beautifully during cooking.

• Tomato Sauce: Use a good-quality sauce for rich flavor; it forms the base of our delicious stew.

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness at the end; don’t skip this herb if you can help it!

• Spices (Cumin & Oregano): These essential spices bring warmth and depth; adjust to your personal taste preference.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while keeping it flavorful and moist.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion, bell peppers, and mincing garlic. This makes everything easier when you’re ready to cook; plus, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Brown the Chicken: Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper until browned on all sides—about 5 minutes per side.

Add Aromatics: Toss in your chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until onions turn translucent and release their sweet aroma—this usually takes around 3-4 minutes.

Pour in Tomato Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce along with cumin and oregano. Let these flavors mingle for about 2 minutes before adding chicken broth—your kitchen will start smelling divine!

Simmer Away: Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes—this allows all those flavors to marry beautifully.

Add Fresh Cilantro: Just before serving, stir in freshly chopped cilantro for an extra burst of freshness that elevates your pollo guisado like no other!

You’ve just created a delightful dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also tells a story with every bite! Serve over fluffy rice or alongside warm tortillas to soak up all that luscious sauce. Enjoy every mouthful and share some laughs around your table—you’ve earned it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor, then sauté vegetables while simmering everything together for maximum deliciousness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap traditional spices for your favorites, or add extra veggies like carrots or potatoes for a heartier dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on low to preserve moisture and flavor.

The first time I made pollo guisado, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! Their compliments made me feel like a celebrity chef, even if I was just winging it in my tiny kitchen.

FAQ

What is pollo guisado?

Pollo guisado is a flavorful chicken stew cooked with spices and vegetables.

Can I use boneless chicken for pollo guisado?

Yes, boneless chicken works well but may lack some depth of flavor.

How do I thicken the sauce in pollo guisado?

To thicken the sauce, simmer uncovered until desired consistency is reached.

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Pollo Guisado

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Indulge in the comforting warmth of pollo guisado, a traditional chicken stew simmered to perfection with vibrant spices and fresh vegetables. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-satisfying meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. With its rich flavor and tender chicken, pollo guisado will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Latin

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (mixed colors)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by chopping the onion and bell peppers and mincing the garlic.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides (about 5 minutes per side).
3. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot; sauté until onions are translucent (around 3-4 minutes).
4. Stir in tomato sauce, cumin, and oregano; cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Just before serving, stir in fresh cilantro for added brightness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 530mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg