Pollo Guisado Salvadoreño
A comforting and flavorful Salvadoran-style braised chicken dish, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic vegetables and spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken pieces(Bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs and drumsticks)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped, or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Allow chicken to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for more even browning. - 2
Heat vegetable 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 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 4
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Add chopped tomatoes (or diced tomatoes), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, and oregano. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
Return the seared chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid. - 7
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally.
⏱️ 40 minutes💡 Tip: The sauce should thicken slightly. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
💡 Tip: If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it. - 9
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with rice and tortillas.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño with the garlic.
- ✓Bone-in chicken pieces add more flavor to the stew.
- ✓This dish can be made ahead of time and reheats well.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a diced potato or carrot along with the tomatoes for a heartier stew.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of chicken broth and white wine.