Dominican Pollo Guisado (Braised Chicken): A Flavorful Classic 🍗🇩🇴

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. If using Sazon and/or chicken bouillon, add them to the seasoning.
   • Vegetables: Dice the bell peppers and onion. Mince or grate the garlic. Juice the lime.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same pan, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to incorporate it into the vegetables.
   • Add 1/4 cup of water and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
   • If using, dissolve the chicken bouillon in the remaining 1/4 cup of water and add it to the pan.
   • Add the sugar if using, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
5. Simmer the Chicken:
   • Return the chicken pieces to the pan, along with any accumulated juices. The chicken should be nestled into the sauce.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
   • Occasionally check and stir the sauce to ensure it’s not sticking to the bottom of the pan. Add a little water if the sauce gets too thick.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat.
   • Serve the Pollo Guisado hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired, and with your favorite side dishes such as rice, beans, or plantains.

Tips for Success:

• Sazon: Sazon adds a distinct flavor and color to the dish. If unavailable, you can use a blend of spices like paprika, turmeric, and cumin.
• Chicken Bouillon: This ingredient enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce. If you prefer a more natural option, you can omit it and use additional seasoning instead.
• Vegetables: Adjust the types and amounts of vegetables to suit your taste. Adding carrots or potatoes can make the dish even heartier.

This Dominican Pollo Guisado is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your table. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables make it a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy every savory bite of this classic recipe!