Description
Hearty Dominican pollo guisado simmers with rich, comforting flavors that dance through tender chicken and aromatic spices. Warmth from this classic Caribbean dish promises a soul-satisfying meal that connects you directly to Dominican culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 8 bone-in chicken pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 medium red onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 to 3 plum tomatoes
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro leaves
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons sazon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 2 tablespoons olive brine
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Remove chicken skin and place in a large bowl, preparing for a flavorful marinade.
- Chop peppers and onions into diced and sliced portions, creating textural variety.
- Combine chicken with diced peppers, onions, lime juice, garlic, oregano, Sazon, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15-60 minutes in refrigerator.
- Heat oil in a lidded skillet over medium-high heat. Optional: Caramelize sugar in pan. Carefully add chicken pieces, avoiding excess marinade. Brown chicken for 3 minutes per side.
- Mix remaining marinade with water and pour over chicken. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring.
- Create tomato sauce by mixing tomato paste, chicken bouillon, and water in a separate bowl.
- Add chopped tomatoes, sliced peppers, onions, and bay leaf to the skillet. Pour tomato sauce mixture, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables soften and chicken cooks through.
- Incorporate olives and olive brine. Uncover and cook for 3 minutes to slightly thicken sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside rice and beans.
- For best results, prepare dish in advance and reheat gently on stovetop with small amount of water to maintain moisture and flavor.
Notes
- Pull back chicken skin gently and use kitchen shears for clean, easy removal without struggling.
- Create homemade Sazon blend with common spices like garlic powder, cumin, and oregano to enhance authentic Dominican taste.
- This braised chicken tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
- Easily customize by using all chicken thighs or leaving some skin on for extra richness and personal preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 41 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Dominican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg