Puerto Rican Chicken Stew

Imagine the aroma of tender chicken mingling with the rich scent of garlic and spices wafting through your kitchen.

Puerto Rican Chicken Stew is your ticket to a cozy, heartwarming meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.

As the chicken melds with vibrant bell peppers and hearty potatoes, it transforms into a luscious, flavorful stew.

Ready to experience this comforting dish? Let’s bring this recipe to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 ladle

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Puerto Rican Chicken Stew, you can follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
   • Take a few minutes to read through the entire recipe and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Chopping and Prep Work (10 minutes)
   • Chop the onion, bell pepper, and cilantro.
   • Mince the garlic.
   • Peel and dice the potatoes.
   • Slice the carrots.
   • Cut the whole chicken into pieces if not already done.
3. Cooking (45 minutes)
   • Minute 0-5: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Minute 5-15: Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, then remove from the pot.
   • Minute 15-20: In the same pot, cook the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper until softened.
   • Minute 20-25: Return the browned chicken to the pot and add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots.
   • Minute 25-30: Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, cumin, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
   • Minute 30-40: Bring the stew to a boil.
   • Minute 40-70: Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes.
4. Resting Time (10 minutes)
   • Minute 70-80: Remove the stew from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.
5. Serving (5 minutes)
   • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.

Remove the chicken and set aside.

In the same pot, add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until softened.

Return the chicken to the pot and add potatoes and carrots.

Pour in chicken broth and tomato sauce.

Stir in oregano, cumin, and bay leaf.

Season with salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes.

Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Serving Tips

• White Rice: A classic accompaniment that absorbs the flavorful stew broth perfectly.
• Crusty Bread: Ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce and adds a satisfying crunch.
• Avocado Slices: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor that complements the stew.
• Tostones: Fried plantains offer a crispy contrast and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
• Green Salad: A fresh side with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty stew.

Storage

Allow the Puerto Rican Chicken Stew to cool completely before storing.

Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Alternatively, freeze for up to 3 months for ideal freshness.

Freezing

To freeze Puerto Rican Chicken Stew, let it cool completely.

Transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.

Label with the date.

Consume within three months for best flavor.

Reheating

When reheating Puerto Rican Chicken Stew, use a stovetop on low heat for even warming.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Alternatively, microwave on medium, covered, to retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

Puerto Rican Chicken Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen.

This dish is perfect for a comforting meal, whether served immediately or enjoyed as leftovers the next day.

The combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a stew that’s both satisfying and delicious.

For an authentic touch, don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Chicken With Another Protein in the Stew?

You can substitute chicken with pork or beef. Choose similar cuts, like pork shoulder or beef chuck, for tenderness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring the meat is fully cooked and flavors meld beautifully with the spices.

How Can I Make the Stew Spicier?

To make the stew spicier, add chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers when sautéing vegetables. Incorporate cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes with spices. Taste and adjust gradually to achieve your desired level of heat.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With Puerto Rican Chicken Stew?

You can pair it with fluffy white rice, sweet plantains, or a fresh avocado salad. These sides balance the stew’s rich flavors, adding texture and complementing the dish perfectly. Experiment with these for a delightful meal.

Is This Stew Gluten-Free?

Yes, this stew is gluten-free. You’re using fresh ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and spices, all naturally gluten-free. Just guarantee your chicken broth and tomato sauce don’t contain gluten additives, and you’re all set!

Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as frozen veggies may release more moisture. Add them during the last 15 minutes to maintain texture and prevent overcooking.

Puerto Rican Chicken Stew

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Puerto Rican

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 Ladle

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 whole chicken cut into pieces
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 clove garlic minced
• 1 bell pepper chopped
• 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
• Remove the chicken and set aside.
• In the same pot, add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
• Return the chicken to the pot and add potatoes and carrots.
• Pour in chicken broth and tomato sauce.
• Stir in oregano, cumin, and bay leaf.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For best results, use bone-in chicken pieces for a richer flavor, and adjust the seasoning to your taste preference. This stew is even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time for deeper flavors.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.