If there’s one dish that feels like home in every Dominican household, it’s Pollo Guisado. This stewed chicken is packed with deep, savory flavor and cooked until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender. Served over rice with a side of beans or tostones, it’s a dish that instantly brings back memories of family gatherings, loud kitchens, and abuela’s magic touch. This version is simple enough for a weeknight but rich enough to impress at Sunday dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1-2 lbs bone-in chicken (drumsticks or thighs)
- Juice of 1 lime (or 2 tbsp vinegar) – for cleaning chicken
- 1 tbsp adobo seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Dominican oregano (or regular oregano)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 tbsp Dominican sazón (Wet Seasoning) or as you see fit
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp oil (canola or olive oil)
- Optional: olives, fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Clean & Season the Chicken
Rinse chicken with water and lime juice or vinegar. Pat dry, then season with adobo, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and with the wet sazón. Add onions and bell peppers. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Brown the Chicken
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add sugar and let it caramelize—this step gives the chicken a beautiful golden color. Add the chicken pieces (reserve marinade) and brown on both sides for about 4–5 minutes per side.
3. Add the Sauce
Add tomato paste to the pot and stir to coat the chicken. Then pour in the reserved marinade, water or broth, and any optional add-ins like olives. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cover & Cook
Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot over white rice, alongside beans, tostones, or slices of avocado. Don’t forget to lather that rich sauce over everything!
This Dominican Pollo Guisado is comfort food at its finest—bold flavors, tender chicken, and a whole lot of love in every bite. ¡Buen provecho!
