Abuela's Pollo Guisado

My Abuela's Pollo Guisado recipe! This Puerto Rican chicken stew is proper comfort food, ready in just over an hour. A big, cheap meal the whole family will love. Try it now!

Right, let's get started on this little beauty. ever crave something proper comforting? i know i do. that's where pollo guisado comes in.

This isn't just any chicken stew. it's like a warm hug from your abuela, even if you've never had an abuela!

Abuela's Pollo Guisado: Comfort in a Bowl

This pollo guisado puerto rico recipe is inspired by the hearty, flavourful stews passed down through generations. think tender chicken, flavourful veg, and a rich, tomato-based sauce.

You will find this puerto rican guisado a very flavourful dish. expect warm, savoury notes with a touch of sweetness from the peppers.

Honestly, it's comfort food at its finest.

This authentic chicken recipes is originally a staple in many latin american kitchens. it's been around for ages. this recipe takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to make, but it’s mostly hands-off simmering.

One batch makes about 6 servings. it is one of the big cheap meals that you can find.

Why You'll Bloody Love This Pollo Guisado

The biggest benefit? it's proper soul food. it makes you feel good. it's packed with protein and goodness from the chicken and veg.

It's perfect for a chilly evening or when you just need a pick-me-up. got some left over?, it tastes amazing the next day, you know? this puerto rican stuff is amazing.

What Makes This Pollo Guisado So Special

It's all about that sofrito . it's the aromatic base that gives it all its flavour. plus, the chicken falls right off the bone.

Serve it with some rice and you have something quick to make for dinner . and the best part? you can even make it in your instapot stews , so easy peasy.

This is puertican food at its best, and you'll feel like you've been transported to the caribbean. so next time you fancy chicken give these chicken spanish recipes a try, and you will never eat a regular chicken stew again.

Ready to gather the ingredients? Let's do it.

Alright, let's get this show on the road! we're talking about pollo guisado , folks. honestly, it's one of those dishes that just screams comfort.

Especially if you're after some puerto rican stuff . think of it as a warm hug from your abuela, even if you don't have one! it is just something quick to make for dinner and really hits the spot on a chilly evening.

Or, lets be honest, when you just need a dose of comfort food. this isn't just chicken stew, this is a proper puerto rican guisado , full of flavour.

So, let's break down what you'll need.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown

Listen, before we even THINK about cooking, let's get our ducks in a row. A good pollo guisado starts with quality ingredients, end of story.

Main Ingredients: Get 'Em Right!

• Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) bone-in, skin-on pieces. thighs and drumsticks are your best bet, trust me. you want that flavor from the bone, innit? look for plump, juicy chicken with a nice pink color.

  No grey, alright?

• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) for searing. Good quality stuff makes a difference, but don't go breaking the bank.

• Salt: 1 tsp kosher.

• Pepper: ½ tsp black.

• Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp .

• Onion: 1 medium yellow, finely diced.

• Bell Peppers: 1 green and 1 red , finely diced. You know, gives it that nice sweetness.

• Garlic: 4 cloves , minced.

• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) .

• Dried Oregano: 1 tsp .

• Cumin: 1/2 tsp .

• Chili Flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional). For a cheeky kick.

• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can , undrained.

• Tomato Sauce: 1 (8 oz / 227g) can .

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: 1 lb (450g) , peeled and cubed.

• Chicken Broth: 1 cup , low sodium.

• Frozen Peas: 1/2 cup .

• Cilantro: 1/4 cup , chopped.

• Lime Wedges: For serving.

Seasoning Notes: Get Saucy!

Okay, so the heart of authentic chicken recipes like pollo guisado is the spice game. don't skip this bit, yeah? oregano and cumin are your base.

But that little touch of smoked paprika? oh my gosh! it elevates the dish. chili flakes? that's your call. if you are looking for big cheap meals , trust me, this works a treat.

For chicken spanish recipes , this stew ticks all the boxes.

Honestly, i sometimes add a tiny pinch of sazón with achiote. don't tell anyone, but it gives the color an extra oomph .

If you don't have oregano, thyme will do in a pinch. but oregano is the real deal.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Right, you don't need a fancy kitchen for this. Just the basics.

• Dutch Oven: Or any heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. This is crucial. It gives a great even heat. If you are looking for Instapot Stews , this might be for you.
• Chopping Board and Knife: Obvious, innit?
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Unless you're a pro. I'm definitely not!

If you don't have a dutch oven, a large, heavy pot will do the trick. honestly, don't sweat it too much.

The most important thing is to get cooking! i am sure that you will agree that puertican food is amazing.

Now, get everything ready. let's make some pollo guisado !

Right then, let's get cracking! pollo guisado , that's chicken stew to us english speakers, is a proper hug in a bowl.

This ain't your nan's bland chicken stew, though. this is puerto rican stuff , flavour-packed and guaranteed to warm your cockles.

Honestly, this recipe is like a little bit of sunshine on a plate, even on a drizzly tuesday in manchester.

Think of it as something quick to make for dinner that’s also dead impressive.

Abuela's Pollo Guisado: Comfort in a Bowl

This pollo guisado puerto rico recipe is inspired by the hearty, flavourful stews passed down through generations. it's a comforting combo.

Expect warm, savoury notes with a touch of sweetness from the peppers. it's like a hug from the inside out, innit? let's get to it and create this authentic chicken recipes !

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place

Essential mise en place is key. dice your onion , bell peppers and potatoes. mince your garlic. measure your spices.

Honestly, getting everything ready before you start cooking is a game-changer. trust me, i've tried winging it before and ended up with burnt garlic and raw chicken.

Don't be like me, okay?

Time-saving organization tips : chop the potatoes first. that's because they won't discolour. store them in a bowl of cold water.

This keeps them looking good. also, pre-measure your spices and keep them in a small bowl.

Pollo Guisado Step-by-Step: Easy Peasy

1. Pat 2 lbs of bone-in chicken dry and season it with 1 tsp kosher salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven. Brown the chicken in batches. Don't overcrowd the pot. It's important. Set aside.
3. Add 1 diced onion , 1 diced green bell pepper and 1 diced red bell pepper to the pot with 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté until softened. That's about 8- 10 minutes .
4. Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic , 1 tsp of dried oregano, 0.5 tsp of cumin and 0.25 tsp of chilli flakes and cook until fragrant. That's about 1 minute .
5. Pour in 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes and 1 (8 oz) can of tomato sauce. Scrape up any browned bits. Simmer.
6. Return the chicken to the pot. Add 1 lb of cubed potatoes and 1 cup of chicken broth. Simmer, reduce heat, cover and cook for 30 minutes . The chicken needs an internal temperature of 165° F/ 74° C.
7. Stir in 0.5 cup of frozen peas during the last 5 minutes. Garnish with 0.25 cup chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy this recipe from Puertican Food !

Pollo Guisado Pro Tips: Level Up Your Stew

• Sofrito is key: Don't rush it. Caramelising the onions and peppers is essential. It builds flavour. Seriously, this is where the Puerto Rican Guisado magic happens.
• Browning the Chicken : It adds depth. Don't skip this step. It's vital.
• Big Cheap Meals that are really are for everyone. So you can cook them easily for your friends.

So there you have it – a proper, flavourful pollo guisado . give it a go and let me know what you think.

Honestly, you won't regret it. it is also one of the top chicken spanish recipes .

Right then, let's talk recipe notes for my abuela's pollo guisado . honestly, this is where we can make it truly ours .

Think of these as your cheat sheet to guisado greatness. it's more than just authentic chicken recipes ; it is tradition.

Serving Up Some Love: Presentation & More

First off, plating and presentation . honestly, a simple bowl works wonders. but! if you wanna be fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime.

That pop of green really brightens things up. consider serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice. a side of sweet plantains, tostones , offers that perfect sweet-salty balance.

Oh, and what about drinks? a cold cerveza works a treat. or, if you’re feeling non-alcoholic, fresh limonada is just the ticket.

Serving pollo guisado puerto rico style? this is the way to go.

Storage Sorted: Keepin' it Fresh

Refrigeration guidelines are dead simple. once the pollo guisado cools down, sling it in an airtight container. it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For freezing options , portion it out into freezer-safe containers. it freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. when you're ready to tuck in, reheating instructions are a breeze.

Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. just make sure it’s piping hot all the way through.

Proper storage helps you create big cheap meals , stretching every bit of goodness.

Twists and Tweaks: Making It Your Own

Fancy a change? for a dietary adaptation , try swapping the potatoes for sweet potatoes. adds a lovely sweetness! for those following gluten-free diets, ensure that your chicken broth and any added seasonings are gluten-free.

Speaking of seasonal ingredient swaps , in the summer, chuck in some grilled corn kernels. makes it extra summery, you know? you can even turn this into one of those instapot stews if you're short on time.

Nitty-Gritty Nutrition

Right, let's talk nutrition basics . this pollo guisado is packed with protein from the chicken, essential for building and repairing tissues.

You know? the vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fibre, all crucial for a healthy gut and strong immune system. as for calories, a serving is roughly 450, with 35 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbs.

Of course, this is just an estimate, innit? but it's a hearty and nourishing meal. many consider puertican food as unhealthy but this is not one of those meals! i like to make this a something quick to make for dinner .

So, there you have it – everything you need to make this authentic chicken recipes really sing. don't be afraid to experiment and put your own stamp on it.

Cooking should be fun, not a chore. so, get stuck in and enjoy the process! why not have a go at another puerto rican guisado dish to perfect this puerto rican stuff ? i promise, you'll smash it!

Right then, here's that FAQ section for your Pollo Guisado recipe, all spiffed up in HTML!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Pollo Guisado anyway? Sounds a bit fancy, doesn't it?

Pollo Guisado is basically a hearty chicken stew, common in many Latin American countries. It's similar to what you might think of as chicken casserole, but with bolder flavours thanks to the sofrito (a flavour base of sautéed vegetables) and spices. Think of it as chicken stew, but like, really good chicken stew. Proper comfort food, innit?

Can I make this Pollo Guisado in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! For a slow cooker, brown the chicken and sauté the sofrito in a pan first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the chicken and make the sofrito, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Either method will result in a beautifully tender Pollo Guisado, just be sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F/74°C.

My Pollo Guisado came out a bit bland. What did I do wrong?

Bland Pollo Guisado is a proper tragedy, but easily fixable! The most likely culprit is the seasoning. Make sure you're generous with the salt, pepper, oregano and cumin and taste as you go. Also, don't skimp on browning the chicken properly – that adds a ton of flavour. Sometimes, a little splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lime at the end can brighten things up. It's always worth a try, like a good bit of sauce on a chip!

How do I store leftover Pollo Guisado, and how long will it last?

Leftover Pollo Guisado is brilliant for lunch the next day! Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure it's properly cooled before freezing, and when you reheat it, ensure it's piping hot all the way through. Don't reheat it more than once to be on the safe side.

Is Pollo Guisado healthy? Are there ways to make it even healthier?

Pollo Guisado can be a fairly healthy dish, offering a good source of protein, vitamins, and fiber, especially with the addition of vegetables. To make it even healthier, you could use skinless chicken, reduce the amount of oil, and add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or even some leafy greens. Using low-sodium chicken broth can also help reduce the sodium content. Bear in mind it's a hearty dish, but with a few tweaks, it can be proper good for you, too!

Can I add other ingredients to change the taste of my Pollo Guisado?

Definitely! Pollo Guisado is like a blank canvas for flavours. Some people like to add olives or capers for a briny taste. Others add a splash of dry sherry or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Root vegetables like parsnips or even a turnip could work wonders. Just make sure whatever you add complements the existing flavours. Experiment and see what your palate likes, that's the British bake-off way after all!

I've tried to make it conversational, helpful, and full of little British references as requested. Hope it fits the bill perfectly! Let me know if you need any tweaks.
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