Pollo en Cebollado
A comforting and flavorful Honduran chicken stew, Pollo en Cebollado features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce made with abundant onions, tomatoes, and spices. It's a staple dish often served with rice and tortillas.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks recommended)
- 3 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Oregano
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Allow chicken to sit with seasoning for about 10 minutes. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes💡 Tip: Do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot. - 3
Add sliced onions to the same pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and chopped bell pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Add cumin and oregano, stirring well. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
💡 Tip: This deglazing step adds a lot of flavor. - 6
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
⏱️ 40 minutes💡 Tip: The sauce should thicken slightly. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: A squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavors.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using bone-in, skin-on chicken adds more flavor and moisture to the stew.
- ✓Don't rush the sautéing of the onions; they form the base of the sauce's sweetness.
- ✓This dish is excellent served with white rice, tortillas, or fried plantains.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of chili powder or a diced jalapeño for a touch of heat.
- Incorporate other vegetables like potatoes or carrots.
- For a richer sauce, a splash of heavy cream can be added at the end.