Pollo Guisado Dominicano
A comforting and flavorful Dominican-style braised chicken stew, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic vegetables and spices. This dish is a staple in Dominican households, often served with rice and beans.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on (thighs and drumsticks recommended))
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped (any color))
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes(undrained)
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Sofrito(or to taste (homemade or store-bought))
- 1 tsp Adobo seasoning(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Green olives(pitted and sliced (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and adobo seasoning.
💡 Tip: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes if time permits. - 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 3
Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Add sofrito, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Sofrito adds a foundational layer of Dominican flavor. - 7
Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the sauce. Add sliced olives if using.
💡 Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water. - 8
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally.
⏱️ 40 minutes💡 Tip: The sauce should thicken to a rich consistency. - 9
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
💡 Tip: A final taste and adjustment is crucial for perfect flavor. - 10
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in adobo, garlic, and a little vinegar for at least 30 minutes before searing.
- ✓Don't skip searing the chicken; it adds essential flavor and texture.
- ✓Adjust the amount of sofrito to your preference. If you don't have sofrito, you can finely chop a mix of green bell pepper, onion, garlic, and cilantro and sauté them.
- ✓This dish pairs wonderfully with white rice, tostones (fried plantains), or a simple salad.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of white vinegar or lime juice towards the end of cooking for a touch of acidity.
- Include a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.