Pollo En Fricase(Chicken Fricassee)
A flavorful Puerto Rican chicken fricassee with tender chicken, savory seasonings, and hearty vegetables, perfect for comforting family meals or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. stewing chicken, cut into serving pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled ⓘ
- 4 whole black peppercorns ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 c. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sofrito ⓘ
- 1/2 c. tomato sauce (4 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. achiote
- 1 Tbsp. sage ⓘ
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch strips ⓘ
- 5 to 6 pimento stuffed Spanish olives ⓘ
- 2 medium Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into approximately 1-inch cubes ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse chicken pieces under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Put garlic, black peppercorns, oregano, salt, and onion powder in a mortar.
- Pound until crushed.
- Rub the seasoning thoroughly into the chicken pieces.
- Place chicken in a bowl.
- Mix olive oil and vinegar and pour over the chicken.
- Cover and let stand for 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot, casserole, or Dutch oven.
- Add chicken pieces and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Add sofrito, tomato sauce, achiote, and sage.
- Saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add green pepper, stuffed olives, and enough water to cover the chicken (about 1 cup).
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes.
- During the last 20 minutes, add potato chunks.
- Check that chicken is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Serve over rice or with bianda.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight in the oil and vinegar mix. If you don't have achiote, you can substitute with paprika for a similar color and mild flavor. Adjust the level of salt based on your preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas for more nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Pollo En Fricase pairs beautifully with rice, making it a comforting meal. Serve alongside a simple salad for freshness or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete experience, consider pairing it with Tropical Chicken, 'Fruity Rice' And Stewed French-Style Green Beans for a delightful feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pollo En Fricase(Chicken Fricassee) contains roughly 1359 calories, with 18g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (215% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (168% of the Daily Value), and calcium (126% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2790mg per serving (121% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but adjust the cooking time as it will cook faster than bone-in pieces. Aim for about 25-30 minutes of simmering until cooked through and tender.
What can I substitute for sofrito?
If you don't have sofrito, you can make a quick substitute by blending garlic, onion, bell pepper, and cilantro together. It may not be identical, but it will still provide a flavor base for the dish.
Is this dish spicy?
Pollo En Fricase is not inherently spicy, but you can add chili peppers or hot sauce if you prefer some heat. The traditional recipe focuses more on savory and aromatic flavors rather than spiciness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).