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Pollo Guisado

By Grandma Millie

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A close-up of pollo guisado in a black skillet, showcasing tender chicken, golden potatoes, and green olives in a rich amber sauce.

Pollo guisado is a traditional Latin chicken stew simmered with potatoes, carrots, peppers, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Seasoned with garlic, cumin, paprika, and fresh herbs, this comforting dish is tender, hearty, and full of rich flavor. Easy to make in one pot, pollo guisado is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings when you want a simple yet delicious recipe. Serve it with rice, beans, or crusty bread for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 45 mins
Serves: 4 servings
Calories: 350

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Pollo Guisado

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Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Latin American
Calories: 350

Ingredients

  • 1 kg chicken pieces (your choice of chicken cuts)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
  • 1 unit onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce (adds richness)
  • 1 unit bell pepper (chopped)
  • 2 unit potatoes (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 unit carrot (sliced)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (for flavor)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin (adds warmth)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (for depth of flavor)
  • to taste unit Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • to taste unit Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot — For cooking the pollo guisado
  • 1 Cutting Board — For chopping vegetables
  • 1 Knife — For cutting ingredients

Method

  1. 1

    Step 1: Heat the Oil – Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Let it warm up nicely.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic – Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent. The aroma will be delightful!

  3. 3

    Step 3: Brown the Chicken – Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides. This adds a lovely flavor.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Add the Flavor – Stir in tomato sauce, bell pepper, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together!

  5. 5

    Step 5: Pour in Chicken Broth – Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Let those flavors mingle!

  6. 6

    Step 6: Add Vegetables – Add potatoes and carrot, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables and chicken are tender.

  7. 7

    Step 7: Garnish and Serve – Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious pollo guisado!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Nutrition FactsPer Serving
Calories350
Fat15g
Protein30g
Carbs25g

Why You’ll Love This pollo guisado

  • It’s a comforting dish that warms your soul.
  • Packed with vibrant flavors that dance on your palate.
  • Easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Versatile; customize with your favorite veggies.
  • Great for meal prep; tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious pollo guisado that will impress your family and friends!

A vibrant display of ingredients for pollo guisado on a wooden kitchen table, featuring chicken, vegetables, and spices.
  • 1 kg chicken pieces – your choice of chicken cuts
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil – for cooking
  • 1 onion – chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves – minced
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce – adds richness
  • 1 bell pepper – chopped
  • 2 potatoes – peeled and chopped
  • 1 carrot – sliced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano – for flavor
  • 1 tsp ground cumin– adds warmth
  • 1 cup chicken broth – for depth of flavor
  • Salt and pepper – to taste
  • Fresh cilantro – for garnish

How to Make Pollo Guisado

Get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade pollo guisado! This comforting dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. Let’s dive into the steps!

A step-by-step visual representation of making pollo guisado, showcasing heating oil, sautéing onions and garlic, browning chicken, and mixing in spices.

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Let it warm up nicely.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent. The aroma will be delightful!

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides. This adds a lovely flavor.

Step 4: Add the Flavor

Stir in tomato sauce, bell pepper, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together!

Step 5: Pour in Chicken Broth

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Let those flavors mingle!

Step 6: Add Vegetables

Add potatoes and carrot, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables and chicken are tender.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious pollo guisado!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryMain Course
CuisineLatin American
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Extra Time0 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
DietaryNot specified
Serves4
Best ServedHot with fresh cilantro garnish!

Pro Tips for Making pollo guisado

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Use fresh herbs like cilantro for a vibrant finish.
  • Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness.
  • Let it simmer longer for tender, juicy chicken.
  • Serve with warm tortillas for a comforting touch.

How to Serve this pollo guisado

  • Serve with fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Pair with warm tortillas for a delightful wrap.
  • Add a side of black beans for extra protein and flavor.
  • Top with fresh avocado slices for a creamy contrast.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges for a zesty kick.
  • Enjoy with a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing and enjoying your pollo guisado later is easy!

Storing Leftovers

  • Let the pollo guisado cool to room temperature.
  • Transfer to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

  • Cool the dish completely before freezing.
  • Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
  • Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry.
  • Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

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Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the scoop on making delicious pollo guisado, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive in! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. Enjoy the simple pleasure of cooking and savor every bite. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What ingredients are in pollo guisado?
Pollo guisado typically includes bone-in chicken, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. It’s seasoned with cumin, paprika, oregano, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness. A bit of honey adds natural sweetness, and the dish is finished with fresh cilantro and scallions for a burst of flavor.
How do I thicken my pollo guisado?
To thicken your pollo guisado, let it simmer uncovered so the liquid reduces. You can also mash a few of the potatoes or add a spoonful of tomato paste. If needed, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and simmer until the sauce thickens.
What does pollo guisado mean in Spanish?
Pollo guisado means “stewed chicken” in Spanish. It refers to chicken that’s slow-cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables and seasonings until tender.
Why is my pollo guisado watery?
Your pollo guisado might be watery if too much liquid was added or if it wasn’t simmered long enough. Make sure to cook it uncovered toward the end to let excess liquid evaporate. Also, avoid overloading the pot with vegetables that release lots of water, like tomatoes or zucchini.

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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