There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty Afro-Cuban stew, especially one that’s steeped in tradition and bold flavor. This Pollo Guisado brings together the soulful warmth of slow-simmered chicken, the vibrant notes of green seasoning, and the richness of a tomato-forward sauce. For those wanting a heartier, veggie-packed version, you can toss in cabbage, spinach, and cauliflower — turning this classic into a deliciously layered stew.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
Protein & Base
- 3 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Aromatics & Flavor
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ packet Sazón
- ½ Maggi cube (or ½ tsp Maggi liquid)
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin or smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp green seasoning (key Afro-Cuban flavor!)
- Salt + black pepper, to taste
Sauce & Veggies
- 1 cup sofrito (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup tomato sauce or 1 cup blended fresh tomatoes
- 1–1.5 cups chicken broth or water
- Optional: 2 medium carrots, cut into chunks
- Optional: 1 small potato, cubed
- Optional: 1 cup corn kernels
- Optional: 2 cups chopped cabbage
- Optional: 3 cups spinach
- Optional: 1 cup cauliflower florets
- Optional: 1 cup of okra
Finishing Touch
- 2 tbsp chopped culantro (or cilantro)
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
1. Season & Brown the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and rub with Sazón, Maggi, oregano, cumin/paprika, green seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown chicken 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, sauté onion + bell pepper 3–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in sofrito and tomato sauce or blended tomatoes; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Liquid & Veggies
Pour in chicken broth or water. Nestle the browned chicken into the sauce. Add carrots, potato, corn, cabbage, spinach, and cauliflower if using. Add bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer
Cover and cook 35–40 minutes for bone-in chicken (25–30 minutes for boneless) until chicken is tender and the flavors meld.
5. Finish & Serve
Stir in culantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve as is, or pair with rice or your favorite grain.
Brown Butter Belle Notes
- Green seasoning is the heart of the Afro-Cuban flavor here — bright, herbaceous, and aromatic.
- Optional vegetables like cabbage, spinach, and cauliflower add texture and a vibrant pop of color, making the stew both hearty and beautiful.
- For extra depth, brown the chicken slightly longer for golden, caramelized edges before simmering.
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