Dominican Pollo Guisado(Stewed Chicken)

Dominican Pollo Guisado, or Dominican Stewed Chicken, is one of my all-time favorite dishes, and for good reason! This meal holds a special place in my heart as it’s a recipe I can always count on to turn out perfectly. The rich, vibrant flavors transport me back to those cherished moments when my grandmother was in the kitchen, teaching me her culinary secrets. While I’ve put my own spin on her original recipe to suit my tastes, it still captures that deliciously authentic Dominican flavor that I adore. It’s not just a meal; it’s a taste of nostalgia and a celebration of family traditions!

First and foremost, let’s talk chicken! I start with clean, skinless bone-in chicken thighs—my top choice for this dish. They’re perfect because they really soak up all those delicious flavors. If you’re looking for a great alternative, chicken drumsticks are a solid second option. I’ve used them in the past, and they’re almost as good at holding onto that tasty goodness. Either way, you’re in for a flavorful treat!

Now, let’s dive into the seasoning magic! I’m all about garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, Dominican oregano, adobo, and a splash of annatto for that vibrant color. A sprinkle of parsley adds a touch of elegance and freshness. I really go heavy on the garlic powder because, well, garlic is basically my love language.

But here’s the twist—while most folks add their veggies at the end, I take a different route. I blend up a mix of olives, three cloves of garlic, a quarter of an onion, and a quarter of a green bell pepper. This veggie blend transforms into a luscious, thick gravy that makes the dish even more irresistible. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Alright, let’s get cooking! We’re going to slow-cook that chicken low and slow for about an hour or more, depending on your stove’s temperament. The key here is to keep the heat gentle and add water as needed to keep things from burning. Stewing is truly an art form—it’s all about patience and attention to detail. Just let the magic happen and watch as those flavors meld into a delicious, comforting masterpiece!

To put the finishing touches on your Pollo Guisado, add a splash of lime, a handful of fresh cilantro, and two bay leaves about 15 minutes before serving. This little touch of lime brings a bright, zesty freshness, while the cilantro and bay leaves add that extra “umph” that takes the dish to the next level.

Serve your delicious creation over a bed of white rice, and don’t forget to round out the meal with some beans and a crisp green salad. Today, I opted for basmati rice, paired it with a fresh green salad, and topped my salad off with a zesty ginger vinaigrette. Trust me, this combination is a flavor-packed feast you won’t want to miss!

Dominican Pollo Guisado Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4-6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken drumsticks)

• Garlic powder (to taste)

• Onion powder (to taste)

• Oregano (to taste)

• Dominican oregano (optional, to taste)

• Adobo seasoning (to taste)

• Annatto (for color, to taste)

• Parsley (for garnish)

• 1/2 cup olives (green or black)

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1/4 onion

• 1/4 green bell pepper

• 1 lime (for juicing)

• A handful of fresh cilantro (chopped)

• 2 bay leaves

• Water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken:

   • Season chicken thighs or drumsticks with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, Dominican oregano, adobo, annatto, and parsley.

2. Prepare the Veggie Blend:

   • In a blender, combine olives, garlic, onion, and green bell pepper. Blend until smooth.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the seasoned chicken and pour in the blended veggie mixture.

   • Cook over low heat, adding water as needed to prevent burning. Simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

4. Finish the Dish:

   • About 15 minutes before serving, stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, and bay leaves.

5. Serve:

   • Serve over white rice (or basmati rice). Accompany with beans and a fresh green salad

Enjoy your delicious Dominican Pollo Guisado!