Estofado de Pollo

Introduction

Estofado de Pollo is a timeless classic in Spanish and Latin American cuisine, celebrated for its hearty flavors and comforting warmth. The succulent chicken, simmered with a medley of vegetables, herbs, and spices, creates a rich stew that’s both inviting and deeply satisfying.

Ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings, this dish stands out for its tender meat and aromatic sauce. Whether served over rice, potatoes, or simply with crusty bread, Estofado de Pollo is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to bring everyone to the table.

Deliciously Hearty Estofado de Pollo

What makes Estofado de Pollo so special is the harmonious balance of savory and slightly sweet notes, thanks to ingredients like carrots and bell peppers, combined with robust spices. The chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after braising gently in its flavorful sauce, delivering comfort and depth in every spoonful.

Prepping Your Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

To ensure even-sized and neatly chopped vegetables, use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. This handy gadget saves time and guarantees uniform cooking, letting all your veggies absorb the savory stew flavors equally.

For best results, season your chicken well and let it rest for about 10 minutes as you prep the remaining ingredients, helping those spices to permeate the meat for richer flavor.

Browning and Simmering: Creating Layers of Flavor

Start by browning the chicken on all sides to lock in juices and develop a complex base for your stew. A reliable nonstick pan like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch ensures a beautiful sear without sticking.

Next, sauté your diced onions, carrots, bell peppers, and garlic until tender and fragrant. This extra step is key to coaxing out their natural sweetness before you combine everything in your stew pot.

Bringing it All Together: Simmering to Perfection

Pour in broth, tomato sauce, and add your spices, allowing the stew to simmer gently. Covering your pot helps the flavors meld and the chicken to become fall-apart tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

If you want to scale up or batch-cook, transfer leftovers to Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for airtight storage and easy reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Estofado de Pollo

Estofado de Pollo is delightfully versatile. Serve it atop steaming white rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or with a side of fresh salad in a Bentgo Salad Container for meal prep. Crusty bread is also perfect for sopping up that luscious sauce.

For elegant presentation at a dinner party, ladle the stew into shallow bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings. Each serving contains around 350–400 calories, primarily from lean protein and wholesome vegetables. Estofado de Pollo is a balanced meal—nutritious, filling, and rich in flavor.

Estofado de Pollo (Recap)

Estofado de Pollo blends tender chicken with garden vegetables in a savory-sweet tomato sauce, simmering everything to perfection. The result: a warming, family-friendly stew that’s both nourishing and deeply flavorful, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season all over with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high. Brown chicken pieces on both sides, then transfer to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, add onions, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté 4–5 minutes until soft, using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to speed up prep.
4. Add garlic and potato; cook 1–2 minutes, stirring.
5. Return chicken to the pan. Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Add olives if using.
6. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 35–45 minutes until chicken and potatoes are tender and sauce is thickened.
7. Discard bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, with sides of your choice. Store any leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy meal prep.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Enjoy every bite of this soul-warming chicken stew—Estofado de Pollo will have everyone coming back for seconds!