Seco de Pollo Ecuatoriano
A comforting and aromatic chicken stew, simmered in a flavorful broth of cilantro, beer, and spices, creating a tender and deeply satisfying dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Whole chicken(cut into 8 pieces)
- 2 cups Cilantro(packed, fresh)
- 4 stalks Green onions(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper (green)(chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Achiote powder or paste
- 1 cup Beer (lager or pilsner)
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 for juice Lime
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a blender, combine cilantro, green onions, bell pepper, tomatoes, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and achiote. Blend until you have a smooth paste. This is your 'refrito'.
- 2
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides.
- 3
Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Pour off excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
- 4
Add the blended 'refrito' to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened.
- 5
Pour in the beer and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Let the beer simmer and reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
- 6
Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot. Add the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.
- 7
Remove the lid and simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Stir in fresh lime juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- 8
Serve hot, typically with white rice, maduros (fried ripe plantains), and a simple salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother sauce, strain the 'refrito' before adding it to the pot.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin, you can mash some of the cooked chicken or vegetables against the side of the pot to thicken it.
- ✓Using a good quality beer will enhance the flavor of the stew.
🔄 Variations
- Seco de Chivo (goat stew) is a very similar dish, often considered a classic in its own right.
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon for a different aromatic profile.