Pan-Seared Dominican Pollo Guisado with Sofrito Sauce
A traditional Dominican chicken stew featuring a vibrant homemade sofrito base simmered to tender perfection. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, medium, diced onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium, peeled and cubed potatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground oregano
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp ground oregano. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Step 2: Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes, then remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 1 diced medium onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, cooking for 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and add 2 peeled and cubed medium potatoes along with 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice for brightness. Discard the bay leaf and serve hot with white rice or tostones.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Dominican Pollo Guisado with Sofrito Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Dominican Pollo Guisado with Sofrito Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Dominican Pollo Guisado with Sofrito Sauce?
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 Pan-Seared Dominican Pollo Guisado with Sofrito Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Seared Dominican Pollo Guisado with Sofrito Sauce?
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.
