Pollo Guisado Puertorriqueño
A comforting and flavorful Puerto Rican-style stewed chicken, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with sofrito, olives, and capers.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2.5 lb Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.25 cup Sofrito(homemade or store-bought)
- 15 oz Tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 0.25 cup Green olives(pitted and sliced)
- 2 tbsp Capers(drained)
- 1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
- 1 packet Sazón con achiote
- 1 whole Bay leaf
- 3 minced Garlic cloves
- 0.5 chopped Onion
- 0.5 chopped Bell pepper(any color)
- 2 tbsp Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt and pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken pieces dry and season generously with adobo seasoning. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Drying the chicken helps it brown better. - 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 3
Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 4
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Add sofrito, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, olives, capers, Sazón packet, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated. - 6
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce. - 7
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
⏱️ 30-40 minutes💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 8
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
💡 Tip: The sauce should be rich and flavorful. - 9
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Fresh herbs add a bright finish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- ✓If you don't have sofrito, you can make a quick version by blending onion, garlic, bell pepper, and cilantro.
- ✓This dish is excellent served with white rice and beans.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced potatoes or carrots during the last 20 minutes of simmering for a heartier stew.
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs and drumsticks, but reduce cooking time to avoid drying out.