One-Pot Puerto Rican Chicken Stew with Sofrito

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and aromatic chicken stew simmered with traditional Puerto Rican sofrito and root vegetables for a comforting meal. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, sofrito for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and brown each side for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp on the edges. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 cup sofrito, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and vegetables soften.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups cubed potatoes and 1 cup sliced carrots to the pot. Stir to coat in sofrito and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken thighs to the pot, then pour in 4 cups chicken broth. Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the stew before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Puerto Rican Chicken Stew with Sofrito take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Puerto Rican Chicken Stew with Sofrito?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Puerto Rican Chicken Stew with Sofrito?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Puerto Rican Chicken Stew with Sofrito for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pot Puerto Rican Chicken Stew with Sofrito?

Caribbean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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