Popular's Puerto Rican Chicken Stew

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

A comforting bowl of tender chicken simmered in a vibrant sofrito base with potatoes and carrots, perfumed with aromatic herbs and garlic. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, medium, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and golden at the edges.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and diced tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes until tomatoes break down and release juices, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken thighs in the pot, season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp oregano, and 1/2 tsp cumin. Sear for 3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, add cubed potatoes and sliced carrots, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes until chicken is tender and potatoes are fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to pot. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Popular's Puerto Rican Chicken Stew take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Popular's Puerto Rican Chicken Stew?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Popular's Puerto Rican Chicken Stew?

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 Popular's Puerto Rican Chicken Stew 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 Popular's Puerto Rican Chicken Stew?

Puerto Rican one pot 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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