Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Puerto Rican Sofrito
This vibrant stir-fry infuses tender chicken with the rich flavors of Puerto Rican sofrito, delivering a colorful and aromatic dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, Puerto Rican sofrito for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup Puerto Rican sofrito
- 1 medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 small, thinly sliced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- for serving lime wedges
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs and cut into 1-inch pieces. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup Puerto Rican sofrito, 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, and 1 thinly sliced small yellow onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4 minutes until vegetables soften and the mixture is fragrant.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/2 tsp red chili flakes and stir to combine, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Puerto Rican Sofrito take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Puerto Rican 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Puerto Rican 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Puerto Rican Sofrito 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 Stir-Fried Chicken with Spicy Puerto Rican Sofrito?
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.
