Puerto Rican Pollo Guisado is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and a rich tomato-based sauce. This hearty braised chicken stew is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. It's the perfect dish to warm your soul and bring a taste of the Caribbean to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken, cut into pieces (bone-in and skin-on for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 potato, peeled and diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup pitted green olives
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomato, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine the spices with the vegetables.
4. Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is submerged in the sauce.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chicken stew for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. After 30 minutes, add the diced potato, sliced carrot, and green olives to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to incorporate the vegetables.
7. Cover the pot again and continue simmering for another 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Once the Pollo Guisado is ready, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Puerto Rican Pollo Guisado, accompanied by white rice or crusty bread. This hearty and aromatic dish will surely become a family favorite!