If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that brings the taste of the Caribbean straight to your kitchen, Pollo Guisado is a must-try. This traditional Dominican stewed chicken is savory, tender, and bursting with bold spices and aromatics. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners with family.
Whether you’re Dominican or just love exploring Hispanic cuisine, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen!
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 lbs of bone-in chicken (drumsticks or thighs work best)
- 1/2 lime or 1 tbsp vinegar (for cleaning the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon oil (avocado or olive oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon adobo seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
- 1/4 cup green olives (optional but traditional!)
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
👩🏽🍳 Instructions
1. Clean and Season the Chicken
- Clean the chicken using lime juice or vinegar, then rinse and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, season with adobo, oregano, pepper, cumin, paprika, and salt.
- Add garlic, onion, bell pepper, and tomato paste. Mix well so the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Brown the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces (shaking off excess marinade) and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes per side.
3. Build the Sauce
- Add the remaining marinade (onions, peppers, garlic) into the pot along with tomato paste and olives.
- Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
4. Simmer to Perfection
- Pour in water or chicken broth until it just covers the chicken.
- Add cilantro or parsley if using. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover.
- Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens to your liking.
🍚 How to Serve Pollo Guisado
This classic Dominican stewed chicken is typically served with:
- White rice
- Stewed beans (habichuelas guisadas)
- Fried plantains (tostones or maduros)
- Avocado slices
It’s the kind of dish that brings families together at the table and warms the soul with every bite.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Dominican Chicken Stew
- Authentic Flavor: Uses traditional Dominican spices and aromatics.
- Simple Ingredients: Most items are pantry staples.
- Comforting & Satisfying: Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
- One-Pot Meal: Easy cleanup and perfect for meal prep.
💬 Tried This Recipe?
Did you grow up eating Pollo Guisado? Or is this your first time making Dominican food? Drop a comment below and let me know how yours turned out! I love hearing your kitchen stories and any tweaks you made to make it your own.