There is something irresistibly comforting about the Fricase de Pollo: Juicy Chicken Thighs Simmered in Tomato and Pepper Sauce Recipe that instantly feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Tender, golden chicken thighs lovingly cooked in a rich tomato and bell pepper sauce, accompanied by perfectly browned potatoes, come together to create a soulful dish bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness. This recipe is an absolute gem for anyone who cherishes home-cooked meals that showcase bold, rustic tastes with a touch of elegance. Once you try this Fricase de Pollo: Juicy Chicken Thighs Simmered in Tomato and Pepper Sauce Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to dinner favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Fricase de Pollo lies in its simplicity and the harmony created by very straightforward ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role: from the juicy, skin-on chicken thighs that provide tender meat and crispy texture to the fresh vegetables and aromatic spices that build layers of flavor.
- Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on: Choose high-quality pieces for juicy and flavorful meat with crispy skin.
- Olive oil: For golden pan-searing and sautéing – it adds richness without overpowering the dish.
- Large onion, chopped: Onion sweetness serves as the flavorful base for the tomato sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds fragrant depth and a hint of pungency that complements the chicken.
- Medium tomatoes, chopped: Fresh tomatoes break down beautifully to create a luscious sauce.
- Bell pepper, chopped: This adds sweetness and a lovely pop of color to the dish.
- Potatoes, peeled and diced: Their heartiness balances the acidity from the tomatoes and wine.
- Dry white wine: Introduces acidity and complexity, lifting the salsa’s flavors.
- Chicken broth: Provides the savory liquid foundation that keeps the chicken tender.
- Cumin: Earthy warmth that subtly spices the dish without overwhelming.
- Paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky flavor, enhancing both aroma and appearance.
- Thyme: A delicate herby note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Oregano: Brings a Mediterranean flair making the sauce taste more vibrant.
- Bay leaf: Infuses a subtle herbal fragrance throughout the cooking process.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Added at the end for a fresh, bright contrast in every bite.
How to Make Fricase de Pollo: Juicy Chicken Thighs Simmered in Tomato and Pepper Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Crispy Chicken Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season your chicken thighs with salt and black pepper generously on both sides. Then, place them skin-side down in the hot oil, letting the skin golden up to a crispy, caramelized finish for about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip and brown the other side for another 5 to 7 minutes. This initial sear locks in the juices and builds a spectacular texture base for your dish.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Foundation
Remove the chicken temporarily and toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper right into the flavorful pan drippings. Stir occasionally and let these soften for about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and stir constantly for 1 to 2 more minutes, being careful not to let it burn. This sizzling veggie mix is what breathes life into the sauce.
Step 3: Crafting the Rich Sauce
Add in the chopped tomatoes and allow them to cook down gently for around 5 minutes, stirring now and then to let their juices meld with the softened vegetables. Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, thyme, oregano, and drop the bay leaf into the pan. These spices form the aromatic backbone of the sauce, balancing savory and herbal tones perfectly.
Step 4: Simmering the Chicken to Tenderness
Gently nestle the browned chicken thighs on top of the bubbling vegetable sauce. Pour in the white wine, scraping up all those nice browned bits stuck to the pan – pure flavor gold. Add the chicken broth, stir lightly, and bring everything to a simmer. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the combination cook softly for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is irresistibly tender and soaked with sauce.
Step 5: Golden Potatoes for the Perfect Finish
While the chicken cooks, warm another pan with a little olive oil, then add the diced potatoes. Sauté them for about 10 to 12 minutes until they achieve an inviting golden crust while remaining tender inside. Add these potatoes back to the main skillet, toss gently to mix them into the sauce, cover again, and allow the flavors to mingle for 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 6: Final Touches
Give the whole dish a final taste and add salt or pepper as you see fit. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of freshness that brightens every bite of this luscious Fricase de Pollo: Juicy Chicken Thighs Simmered in Tomato and Pepper Sauce Recipe.
How to Serve Fricase de Pollo: Juicy Chicken Thighs Simmered in Tomato and Pepper Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing touch with fresh chopped cilantro is classic, but don’t hesitate to add a squeeze of lime for extra zing or a handful of toasted pine nuts to bring a lovely crunch. These simple garnishes elevate your presentation and deepen the flavor experience in delightful ways.
Side Dishes
This recipe is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a light green salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette to balance richness. Alternatively, serve it with crusty bread to soak up every bit of that savory tomato and pepper sauce, or fluffy white rice to let the sauce shine as the star.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider plating individual servings in shallow bowls for a rustic yet elegant look. Drizzle with a little olive oil or a dash of smoked paprika on top for extra color. For family-style dinners, a large serving dish garnished with fresh cilantro makes for an inviting, cheerful centerpiece everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue developing, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze Fricase de Pollo in a sealed container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding fresh cilantro and potatoes, then reheat and add fresh cilantro after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep things from sticking. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help restore moisture. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, to preserve the texture of the chicken thighs.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, though skin-on thighs deliver more flavor and tenderness, chicken breasts can be used if preferred; just watch the cooking time to avoid drying out the leaner meat.
Is it necessary to use white wine in this recipe?
While white wine adds a lovely acidity and depth of flavor, you can substitute with extra chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth doesn’t contain any gluten additives.
What other herbs can I use if I don’t have fresh cilantro?
Parsley or fresh basil are great alternatives and add their own unique freshness without straying too far from the original flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it’s tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The meat should be juicy and easily pull away from the bone.
Final Thoughts
This Fricase de Pollo: Juicy Chicken Thighs Simmered in Tomato and Pepper Sauce Recipe is a heartfelt celebration of simple ingredients cooked with care, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and soul-warming. Give it a try and discover the joy of filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your table with smiles. It’s comfort food with a confident, flavorful twist that’s sure to become a cherished classic for you and everyone you share it with.
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Fricase de Pollo: Juicy Chicken Thighs Simmered in Tomato and Pepper Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
Fricase de Pollo is a comforting and flavorful Latin American chicken stew featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a seasoned tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. This dish combines crispy sautéed potatoes with a rich mix of cumin, paprika, and herbs, finished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant and hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Sauté and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 bay leaf
Liquids
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
Potatoes
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Brown the chicken skin: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy, developing delicious texture.
- Brown the other side: Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the other side is browned, locking in juices and flavor.
- Remove chicken: Take the browned chicken thighs off the skillet and set aside on a plate to make room for vegetables.
- Sauté onions and peppers: Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the same skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and become fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning and release its aroma.
- Cook tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and release juices, forming the sauce base.
- Add spices and bay leaf: Stir in cumin, paprika, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf to infuse the sauce with warm, complex flavors.
- Return chicken: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back on top of the vegetable mixture in the skillet, preparing for simmering.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom to lift up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan.
- Add broth: Stir in chicken broth to combine all ingredients and build a flavorful cooking liquid for the chicken.
- Simmer covered: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet to cook the chicken through gently.
- Cook chicken: Let the chicken simmer for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked and tender, allowing flavors to meld.
- Cook potatoes separately: Meanwhile, heat a separate pan over medium heat with some olive oil, add diced potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and tender.
- Combine potatoes: After chicken is cooked, add the cooked potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer to meld flavors: Cover again and simmer for 5-7 minutes to harmonize the potatoes with the stew flavors.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish and add more salt and black pepper if needed to suit your preference.
- Remove bay leaf: Take out the bay leaf and discard it to avoid bitterness.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the dish before serving to add a fresh, herbal brightness.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensures moist, flavorful meat with crispy skin.
- Dry white wine helps to deglaze the pan and adds subtle acidity and depth to the sauce.
- Cooking potatoes separately keeps them crispy and prevents them from becoming too soggy in the stew.
- Herbs like thyme, oregano, and bay leaf provide an aromatic base classic to Latin American stews.
- Adjust the seasoning at the end to balance flavors according to your taste.
- This dish pairs well with white rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
