RecipesPanamaPollo Guisado Panameño

Pollo Guisado Panameño

A comforting and flavorful Panamanian-style stewed chicken, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic vegetables and spices.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Pollo Guisado Panameño - Panama traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on (thighs and drumsticks recommended))
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 large Onion(chopped)
  • 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 can (400g) Diced tomatoes(undrained)
  • 2 cups Chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Oregano(dried)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove chicken and set aside.

  3. 3

    Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor.

  6. 6

    Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, cumin, and oregano.

    💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  7. 7

    Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

    💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. 8

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken.

    💡 Tip: For a thicker sauce, you can mash some of the chicken pieces against the side of the pot.
  9. 9

    Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This dish is excellent served with white rice and plantains.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Using bone-in, skin-on chicken adds more flavor and moisture to the stew.
  • Don't skip browning the chicken; it builds a crucial flavor base.
  • Adjust the amount of tomato paste and diced tomatoes to your preference for a richer or lighter sauce.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a diced potato or carrot along with the liquid for a heartier stew.
  • For a touch of heat, add a minced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
  • A splash of white wine can be added after sautéing the vegetables for extra depth of flavor.

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