Pollo en Coco
A rich and flavorful chicken stew simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce, infused with aromatic spices and sofrito. This dish offers a delightful balance of savory and subtly sweet notes, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken(cut into pieces (thighs and drumsticks recommended))
- 2 cups Coconut milk(full-fat canned)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(chopped)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(ripe, chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Celery stalk(chopped)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 1 large Lime(juiced)
- 0.5 large Sour orange(juiced (or substitute with lime juice))
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Oregano(dried)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 tsp Sugar(optional, for caramelizing)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly with lime and sour orange juice. Season with salt, oregano, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- 2
Prepare the sofrito by finely chopping the onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and celery. You can also blend them into a paste.
- 3
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. If using sugar for caramelization, add it now and let it melt and turn golden brown before adding the chicken.
- 4
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
- 5
Add the prepared sofrito (chopped or blended vegetables) to the pot with the chicken. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- 6
Pour in the chicken broth and the reserved marinade liquid. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
- 7
Stir in the coconut milk and chopped fresh cilantro. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- 8
Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Be careful not to overcook, as the chicken can become dry.
- 9
Serve hot, traditionally accompanied by white rice and tostones (fried plantains).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces.
- ✓If you can't find sour orange, a mix of lime and orange juice can be used as a substitute.
- ✓Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal preference.
- ✓For a thicker sauce, you can simmer it a bit longer or mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of curry powder or a small piece of scotch bonnet pepper for a touch of heat and different flavor profile.
- Incorporate other vegetables like potatoes or carrots for a heartier stew.