Pollo guisado is a heartwarming dish that wraps you in a cozy embrace with every bite! This savory chicken stew is bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh bell peppers, onions, and a hint of garlic, all simmered to perfection in a rich, aromatic broth. With tender chicken pieces soaking up the delicious sauce, it’s a meal that brings family and friends together around the table. Serve it over fluffy rice or with warm tortillas, and watch as smiles light up the room. Get ready to fall in love with this delightful comfort food classic!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up any day of the week.
- Rich, savory flavors that will have your family asking for seconds.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
- Leftovers taste even better, making it a meal prep winner!
pollo guisado
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Collect chicken pieces, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, chicken broth, olive oil, and spices.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in chopped bell peppers and diced tomatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add chicken broth to the pot, enough to cover the chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Sprinkle in your favorite spices like cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve your pollo guisado over rice or with warm tortillas. Enjoy every bite!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Latin American |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 45 minutes |
| Total Time: | 1 hour |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free |
| Serves: | 4-6 people |
| Best Served: | With rice or tortillas |
Ingredients
- Pollo (Chicken) – The star of the dish, providing rich flavor and protein.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing and adding a healthy fat component.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the overall flavor.
- Garlic – Enhances the dish with its aromatic qualities.
- Bell Peppers – Brings color and a slight sweetness to the mix.
- Tomatoes – Provides acidity and moisture for a delicious sauce.
- Chicken Broth – A flavorful base that keeps the chicken moist.
- Carrots – Adds sweetness and a nice texture contrast.
- Potatoes – Makes the dish heartier and more filling.
- Bay Leaves – Infuses a subtle herbal flavor during cooking.
- Cumin – Adds warmth and earthiness to the dish.
- Oregano – Enhances the flavor profile with its aromatic notes.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make Pollo Guisado
Get ready to whip up some delicious pollo guisado with these easy steps!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect chicken pieces, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, chicken broth, olive oil, and spices.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Stir in chopped bell peppers and diced tomatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
Add chicken broth to the pot, enough to cover the chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Sprinkle in your favorite spices like cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Step 7: Let it Simmer
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 8: Check for Doneness
Ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your pollo guisado over rice or with warm tortillas. Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of flavor.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour to enhance tenderness.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of chicken broth instead of wine.
- Serve with rice or plantains to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Don’t rush the cooking process; low and slow brings out the best flavors.
How to Serve
- Serve with fluffy white rice for a classic pairing.
- Pair with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Top with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Accompany with a side of black beans for a hearty meal.
- Serve alongside a simple avocado salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Offer lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.
- Try it with roasted vegetables for a nutritious boost.
- For a twist, serve in tacos with your favorite toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store your pollo guisado leftovers:
- Let the dish cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
To freeze pollo guisado effectively:
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Remove excess air from bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For the best reheating results:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Add a splash of chicken broth for moisture.
- Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
What is pollo guisado?
Pollo guisado is a traditional Latin American chicken stew, known for its rich flavors and comforting qualities. It’s made with chicken, vegetables, and a variety of spices, simmered together to create a hearty dish that warms the soul.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for pollo guisado. They tend to be more flavorful and tender, especially when cooked slowly in the stew. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
What can I serve with pollo guisado?
Pollo guisado pairs wonderfully with rice, beans, or even mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a side of avocado or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.
How can I make pollo guisado spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stew. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new go-to recipe for pollo guisado! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights. So grab your ingredients, let the aromas fill your kitchen, and enjoy every delicious bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Happy cooking!
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