Are you ready to dive into a deliciously comforting world of flavors? Fricassé de Pollo is one of my favorite recipes—it’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion! Wiht tender chicken simmered in a rich sauce, this dish brings a taste of home that’s hard to resist. So, let’s get cooking and turn your kitchen into a cozy haven!

Cook Time: 15

Prep Time: 25

Yields: 3

Calories: 454

Simple Ingredients for Flavorful Fricassé de Pollo

Making fricassé de Pollo is a great way to bring a taste of Cuba right into your kitchen. This comforting chicken stew is packed with flavor, and the ingredients are easy to find! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: This will provide a lovely base for sautéing and add richness to the dish.
½ large red bell pepper, diced: For sweetness and a pop of color.
½ medium red onion, diced: This adds depth and flavor; you can substitute with yellow onion if that’s what you have.
4 cloves garlic, smashed: Fresh garlic really elevates the dish, giving it a fragrant note.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: This thickens the stew and adds a vibrant tomato flavor.
2 cups water: You may adjust this later based on how thick or soupy you prefer your stew.
6 skinless chicken leg quarters,separated into thighs and drumsticks: The star of the dish! Skinless helps keep it tender and allows the sauce to soak into the meat.
Salt to taste: This seasoning brings all the flavors together.

It’s always a good idea to have fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on hand for garnish at the end, if you like a fresh touch!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Fricassé de Pollo

Ready to get cooking? Let’s bring this delicious Fricassé de Pollo to life! Follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring a hearty meal in no time:

Heat the olive oil: In a large pressure cooker, add your extra-virgin olive oil and heat it over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sauté but not smoking.

sauté the vegetables: Toss in the diced red bell pepper and diced onion.Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onion turns translucent. Then, add the smashed garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about another minute.

Mix in the tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Add water and chicken: Pour in 2 cups of water, mixing it well to dissolve the tomato paste. Carefully place the chicken pieces into the pot, making sure thay’re evenly spaced. Add more water if needed until the chicken is nearly covered.

Seal and cook: Secure the lid on your pressure cooker. Bring it to high pressure over high heat, then lower the heat to maintain that pressure.Cook for 15 minutes.

Let the pressure drop: once the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to drop naturally, which takes about 20 minutes. Carefully unseal the cooker.

Season to taste: season your chicken with salt to taste before serving.

And just like that,you have a fantastic dish that’s perfect to enjoy with rice and beans. happy cooking!

Serving and Storage Tips for flavorful Fricassé de Pollo

Once you whip up this Fricassé de Pollo, you’ll want to know the best ways to serve and store it! This dish is typically enjoyed warm, and it pairs beautifully with arroz blanco (white rice) and frijoles negros (black beans). I recommend serving it family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves. Here are a few ideas for serving:

Garnish: Fresh cilantro or parsley adds a lovely touch. Sprinkle it on just before serving for that vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Sides: Consider a side salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Dipping Sauce: A homemade garlic aioli or a zesty salsa verde can add a delightful twist to the meal.

If you have any leftovers, they’re just as delicious the next day!

Storing Leftovers

To store your Fricassé de Pollo properly, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This dish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems a bit thick.

You can also freeze this dish! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just remember that the texture may slightly change after freezing,but the flavors will still shine through.

Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Perfect Fricassé de Pollo

To help you create a wonderful Fricassé de Pollo, here are some handy notes and troubleshooting tips:

Chicken Variations: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, reducing it to about 10-12 minutes of pressure cooking.
Thickening the Sauce: If you find the sauce too thin for your liking,remove the chicken once it’s cooked,and simmer the sauce on low heat until it thickens. You can also whisk in a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water for a speedy fix.
Flavor Boost: Want to intensify the flavor? Add a bay leaf or some cumin during the cooking process for a warm, earthy touch.
Adjusting Spice Levels: If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add some diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the vegetables.

With these tips in hand, you’re all set to make a delicious version of Fricassé de Pollo that everyone will love! Happy cooking!