There’s nothing quite like the aroma of pollo guisado Puerto Rican wafting through your home, making your stomach rumble louder than a thunderstorm. Imagine tender chicken simmering in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s bursting with spices and savory goodness. It’s a dish that wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly day, with each bite transporting you straight to the heart of Puerto Rico.
Growing up, this dish was my family’s go-to for celebrations and cozy Sunday dinners. The laughter, stories, and the clinking of forks against plates filled our home as we savored every morsel. Whether it was a holiday feast or just an ordinary Tuesday, pollo guisado was always there, bringing everyone together around the table for a communal experience that was as much about connection as it was about food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Pollo guisado Puerto Rican is not only simple to prepare but also delivers an explosion of flavors
- Its vibrant colors make it eye-catching on any dinner table
- Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight meals, this dish adapts easily to what you have on hand
- The comforting aroma will draw everyone into your kitchen!
I remember one time making pollo guisado for a family reunion; the way my grandmother’s eyes lit up at the first taste was priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Bone-in Chicken Thighs: These provide moisture and flavor; they’re perfect for slow cooking.
Olive Oil: A splash of good olive oil enhances the dish’s richness and helps in browning the chicken.
Onions: Use sweet onions for a subtle sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential; its pungent aroma adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
Bell Peppers: Choose colorful bell peppers for visual appeal and a hint of sweetness.
Adobo Seasoning: This classic seasoning blend will elevate your chicken with its savory notes.
Tomato Sauce: Use quality tomato sauce for a rich base that brings everything together.
Chicken Broth: It adds moisture and flavor; homemade broth is best but store-bought works too!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish; sprinkle it on top before serving for added flavor.
Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime at the end adds freshness that balances out the richness of the stew.
For the Sauce:
Bay Leaves: These add a subtle herbal note while simmering; don’t forget to remove them before serving!
Cumin Powder: A sprinkle of cumin brings warmth and earthiness to your pollo guisado.
Pimento Olives (optional): These tangy bites can take your dish from good to extraordinary!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop your onions, garlic, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Have everything ready so you can efficiently move through cooking without fuss.
Heat Things Up: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. You’ll know it’s ready when it gently ripples.
Brown The Chicken: Add bone-in chicken thighs skin-side down into the hot oil. Sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. This step is crucial for locking in those juicy flavors!
Add Aromatics: Once browned, remove chicken and set aside. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the same pot until softened—around 3-4 minutes—until they smell heavenly!
Create The Sauce: Stir in adobo seasoning and cumin powder followed by tomato sauce and chicken broth. Scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot—they’re packed with flavor!
Add Chicken Back In: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot along with bay leaves. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; cover partially and let cook for 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender.
Don’t forget to check occasionally! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some pimento olives during the last 10 minutes for an extra zing.
Once done, serve this delightful pollo guisado Puerto Rican over white rice or with crusty bread to soak up all that incredible sauce! Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- Pollo guisado Puerto Rican is a comforting dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas
- The tender chicken and rich sauce create a delightful experience, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners
- Enjoy it with rice or plantains for a complete meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, then sear it before adding vegetables and broth for a balanced taste.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or add your favorite vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove for best texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an even richer flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight
- Don’t skip browning; it’s essential for depth
- Taste as you go to balance spices
Sharing this dish with my friends always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter and warmth filled every corner of the kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken for pollo guisado Puerto Rican?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken cooks faster and absorbs flavors well.
What’s the best side dish for pollo guisado?
Serve it with white rice or fried plantains to complement the flavors beautifully.
How can I make pollo guisado spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños during cooking for an extra kick.
Pollo Guisado Puerto Rican
Pollo Guisado Puerto Rican is a comforting, flavorful dish that envelops you in the warm and vibrant essence of Puerto Rican cuisine. This tender chicken stew simmers in a rich sauce, blending spices and fresh ingredients that create an irresistible aroma throughout your home. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe brings loved ones together around the table, sharing not just a meal but also cherished memories.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tsp adobo seasoning
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ cup pimento olives (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown; remove from pot.
- In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in adobo seasoning and cumin powder; then add tomato sauce and chicken broth.
- Return the seared chicken to the pot with bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cover partially; cook for 30-40 minutes until tender.
- For added flavor, toss in pimento olives during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve over white rice or with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
