Pollo en Curtido Hondureño
A vibrant and tangy Honduran chicken dish featuring chicken pieces simmered in a flavorful curtido (pickled vegetable) sauce. This recipe highlights the use of vinegar and spices to create a unique and zesty flavor profile.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken(bone-in, cut into pieces)
- 1/2 cup White vinegar
- 1/2 cup Water
- 2 medium Onions(thinly sliced)
- 2 medium Bell peppers(thinly sliced (any color))
- 2 medium Carrots(julienned)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tsp Oregano(dried)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Allow chicken to sit with seasoning for at least 15 minutes. - 2
In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and julienned carrots to the same skillet. Sauté until slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the white vinegar and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: The vinegar will create the characteristic tangy flavor of the curtido. - 6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: This dish is traditionally served with white rice and fried plantains.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add other vegetables like cabbage or radishes to the curtido mixture.
- ✓For a milder flavor, you can soak the sliced onions and peppers in water for 15 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
- ✓Ensure the chicken is cooked through; the simmering time may vary depending on the size of the pieces.
🔄 Variations
- Add a bay leaf to the simmering liquid for added aroma.
- For a touch of heat, include a sliced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Some variations include a small amount of tomato paste for a richer sauce.