The aroma of Pollo Guisado wafts through the air like a warm hug, inviting everyone to gather around the dinner table. Picture tender chicken stewing in a rich, savory sauce, with spices that dance on your taste buds and create an unforgettable experience. Rosemary Peach Chicken.
This classic dish has a special place in my heart, often gracing our family gatherings. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday dinner or a festive holiday feast, Pollo Guisado never fails to bring joy and satisfaction to our plates.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Pollo Guisado recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile bursts with a blend of spices that tantalize your taste buds
- Visually stunning, it presents beautifully on any dinner table, making it perfect for special occasions
- Versatility shines through as you can serve it alongside rice, tortillas, or even salad
I remember the first time I made Pollo Guisado for my friends; their faces lit up with delight after just one bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for their juiciness and flavor; they won’t dry out during cooking. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich recipe.
Onions: Use sweet onions for a mild flavor that complements the dish perfectly. For more inspiration, check out this Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies recipe.
Bell Peppers: Choose colorful peppers to add visual appeal and sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic punch; don’t skip this!
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes work wonderfully; they help create a rich sauce.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps your dish flavorful without being overly salty.
Spices: Include cumin, oregano, and bay leaves for that authentic taste.
Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil is essential for sautéing your ingredients to perfection.
For the Sauce:
Soy Sauce: It adds depth of flavor; opt for low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish; don’t use bottled!
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro enhances freshness; sprinkle generously before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
To create this delicious Pollo Guisado, follow these simple steps:
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping onions, bell peppers, and mincing garlic. This prep work makes cooking smoother and faster.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil. Add onions and peppers until they soften and release their sweet aroma.
Add Garlic: Toss in minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt; nobody likes bitter garlic!
Brown the Chicken: Add boneless chicken thighs to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides; this step locks in flavors.
Add Liquids: Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, soy sauce, lime juice, and spices. Stir well to combine everything into a beautiful medley.
Simmer Away: Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together!
This hearty Pollo Guisado is perfect on its own or served over fluffy rice or with warm tortillas to soak up all that delicious sauce. Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet Enjoy every comforting bite! Keto Chicken and Dumplings.
You Must Know
- Pollo Guisado is a delightful stew that melds flavors beautifully
- This dish is perfect for impressing guests while being easy enough for a weeknight dinner
- The aroma of simmering spices makes your kitchen feel like a cozy restaurant
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken overnight for maximum flavor, then brown it well before adding vegetables and broth.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store Pollo Guisado in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat to maintain its tenderness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use bone-in chicken for richer flavor; sear it well to lock in juices
- Avoid overcooking vegetables; they should remain vibrant and slightly crunchy
- Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end for the best flavor balance
Cooking Pollo Guisado always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter over bowls of this comforting stew.
FAQ
What is Pollo Guisado?
Pollo Guisado is a traditional Latin chicken stew, often cooked with vegetables and spices. Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Casserole.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken works but may lack the depth of flavor from bone-in cuts.
How do I make it spicy?
Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking for an extra kick.
Pollo Guisado
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Pollo Guisado is a heartwarming Latin chicken stew that envelops your senses with its aromatic spices and flavors. This dish features tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a rich sauce made from fresh vegetables and herbs, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Served over fluffy rice or with warm tortillas, Pollo Guisado is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings loved ones together.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Prep your ingredients: chop the onions, bell peppers, and mince the garlic.
- 2. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened.
- 3. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4. Brown the chicken thighs in the pot until golden on all sides.
- 5. Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, soy sauce, lime juice, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- 6. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 7. Serve hot over rice or with tortillas; garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Latin
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: - For enhanced flavor, marinate chicken overnight. - Swap in your favorite veggies like zucchini or carrots for added nutrition. - To make it spicy, incorporate jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.