Pollo Guisado Panameño
A comforting and flavorful Panamanian-style stewed chicken, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic vegetables and spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on (thighs and drumsticks recommended))
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 can (400g) Diced tomatoes(undrained)
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Oregano(dried)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
- 6
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, cumin, and oregano.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 7
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken.
💡 Tip: For a thicker sauce, you can mash some of the chicken pieces against the side of the pot. - 9
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This dish is excellent served with white rice and plantains.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using bone-in, skin-on chicken adds more flavor and moisture to the stew.
- ✓Don't skip browning the chicken; it builds a crucial flavor base.
- ✓Adjust the amount of tomato paste and diced tomatoes to your preference for a richer or lighter sauce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a diced potato or carrot along with the liquid for a heartier stew.
- For a touch of heat, add a minced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- A splash of white wine can be added after sautéing the vegetables for extra depth of flavor.