Pollo en Salsa de Culantro
A flavorful Costa Rican chicken dish featuring a vibrant sauce made with fresh cilantro (culantro), onions, peppers, and spices. It's a staple in many Tico households, offering a fresh and aromatic taste of the country's culinary heritage.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 cups Fresh cilantro(packed, stems and leaves)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 0.5 tsp Cumin
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure even seasoning for best flavor. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 3
In a blender, combine fresh cilantro, chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, chicken broth, cumin, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend until smooth.
💡 Tip: Add a little more broth if needed to achieve a smooth consistency. - 4
Pour the cilantro sauce into the same skillet. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
💡 Tip: This deglazing process adds extra flavor. - 5
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until chicken is cooked through and tender.
⏱️ 30-35 minutes💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - 6
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
💡 Tip: The sauce should be vibrant and herbaceous. - 7
Serve hot, spooning the cilantro sauce over the chicken. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
💡 Tip: Excellent served with white rice and black beans.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fresh, vibrant cilantro for the best flavor and color.
- ✓Don't overcook the chicken; it should remain moist.
- ✓Adjust the amount of garlic and spices to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Substitute chicken breast for thighs, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- A squeeze of lime juice at the end can brighten the flavors.