Pollo en Fricase
A comforting and flavorful Puerto Rican chicken stew, Pollo en Fricasé features tender chicken pieces braised in a rich, savory sauce with vegetables and a hint of wine. It's a classic dish perfect for a cozy meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on thighs or legs recommended)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 tbsp Sofrito
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 2 tsp Sazón seasoning with annatto
- 1 tsp Adobo all-purpose seasoning
- 1 cup Dry red wine
- 1.5 cups Chicken broth(plus more if needed)
- 0.75 cup Potatoes, peeled and diced
- 0.75 cup Baby carrots
- 2 Bay leaves
- 10 tbsp Pimento-stuffed olives
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, for garnish(optional)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with Adobo and Sazón seasoning. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the chicken is well-seasoned from the start is key to a flavorful dish. - 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- 3
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Add the sofrito, tomato paste, and oregano. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, and olives. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 5
Return the chicken to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.
- 6
Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
💡 Tip: If the stew seems too watery, remove the lid and simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. If it's too thick, add a bit more chicken broth. - 7
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve hot.
💡 Tip: Pollo en Fricase is traditionally served with white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the seasonings for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- ✓Feel free to add other root vegetables like yuca or sweet potatoes.
- ✓If you don't have red wine, you can substitute with more chicken broth or a dark beer.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of vinegar towards the end of cooking for a touch of acidity.
- Some recipes include a tablespoon of pimientos for added color and flavor.