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Homemade Pollo Guisado photo

Pollo Guisado

This Pollo Guisado is a comforting Puerto Rican chicken stew bursting with flavor! Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Stew:
  • 4 pieces skinless chicken drumsticks (on the bone, 14 oz total)
  • 4 pieces skinless chicken thighs (on the bone, 20 oz total)
  • 1/2 teaspoon adobo seasoning salt
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 4 medium scallions (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
  • 1 packet sazon seasoning (optional)
  • 1/4 cup green olives (pitted)
  • 2 tablespoons brine from olives
  • 1 tablespoon Chicken Better Than Bouillon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 leaves bay leaves

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener

Method
 

Cooking Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken - Season the chicken drumsticks and thighs with adobo seasoning salt.
  2. Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics - In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the scallions and garlic until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Brown the Chicken - Add the chicken pieces to the pot and sear them on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the Sauce Ingredients - Pour in the tomato sauce and add the chopped cilantro, sazon seasoning (if using), olives, brine, bouillon, cumin, and bay leaves. Stir well.
  5. Step 5: Simmer the Stew - Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
  6. Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve - Taste the sauce, adjust seasoning if necessary, remove bay leaves, and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Notes

  • Use organic, free-range chicken for better flavor.
  • Adobo seasoning can be homemade with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.
  • For spiciness, add cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months, thaw overnight before reheating.