Pollo en Salsa de Tomate
A classic Nicaraguan comfort food, this dish features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich and savory tomato sauce, often with added vegetables like onions and peppers. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal typically served with rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces(such as thighs, drumsticks, or a whole chicken cut into pieces)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped (any color))
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped, or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes)
- 1 can (15 oz) Tomato sauce
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 Optional: Bay leaf
- 2 tbsp Optional: Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Add the bay leaf if using. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- 4
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- 5
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot with white rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before browning.
- ✓If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking to reduce it.
🔄 Variations
- Add sliced potatoes or carrots to the pot along with the chicken for a more complete meal.
- A pinch of dried oregano or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can add extra depth of flavor.