Puerto Rican-Inspired Sofrito Chicken Stew

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

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant sofrito-infused tomato stew, capturing the essence of Puerto Rican home cooking. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 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. Season 4 bone-in chicken thighs with 1 tsp black pepper and 1 tsp salt. Add to the pot and brown on each side for 5 minutes until golden, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Lower heat to medium, add 1/2 cup sofrito to the pot, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 medium peeled and diced potatoes, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp dried oregano, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and return chicken thighs to the pot.
  5. Step 5: Cover and simmer gently for 35-40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup sliced green olives and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro just before serving to brighten the stew.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Puerto Rican-Inspired Sofrito Chicken Stew 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 Puerto Rican-Inspired Sofrito 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Puerto Rican-Inspired Sofrito 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 Puerto Rican-Inspired Sofrito 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 Puerto Rican-Inspired Sofrito Chicken Stew?

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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