Pollo Guisado con Arroz Blanco
Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce with vegetables and spices. This classic Honduran 'guisado' is a beloved comfort food, typically served alongside fluffy white rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1.5 cups Chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Cumin
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- 2 cups White rice(cooked, for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is at room temperature for even cooking. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the same skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 5
Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. - 6
Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
💡 Tip: The sauce should be rich and slightly thickened. - 8
Serve the pollo guisado hot over cooked white rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds more flavor and moisture to the dish.
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes before searing.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add diced potatoes or carrots to the stew for a heartier meal.
- Incorporate a pinch of ground achiote for color.
- Serve with a side of fried plantains (tajadas).