Spicy Dominican-Style Chicken Stew with Sofrito

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

A hearty, slow-simmered chicken stew infused with a vibrant Dominican sofrito base and a touch of heat from fresh peppers. This Dominican-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 65 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 Dominican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2 lbs) with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and brown for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and brown the other side for 4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 1 diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper (optional for heat). Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup tomato sauce, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tbsp white vinegar. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with white rice or tostones.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Dominican-Style 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 Spicy Dominican-Style 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 Spicy Dominican-Style 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 Spicy Dominican-Style 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 Spicy Dominican-Style Chicken Stew with Sofrito?

Dominican 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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