Seco de Pollo Chicken Stew with Citrus and Cilantro

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Ecuadorian chicken stew simmered with citrus juices, fresh cilantro, and spices for a uniquely tangy and hearty meal. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 90 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, orange juice, freshly squeezed, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 40 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp achiote powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade), and brown chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crisp at edges.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup chopped cilantro stems and leaves, stirring for 1 minute until aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to pot, pour in reserved marinade and 2 cups chicken broth, then bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt, adjust to taste, and serve hot with rice or plantains.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seco de Pollo Chicken Stew with Citrus and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (40 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 Seco de Pollo Chicken Stew with Citrus and Cilantro?

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 Seco de Pollo Chicken Stew with Citrus and Cilantro?

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 Seco de Pollo Chicken Stew with Citrus and Cilantro 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 Seco de Pollo Chicken Stew with Citrus and Cilantro?

Latin American 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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