South America Polloal Cazador
A hearty South American chicken stew with vegetables, chickpeas, and rich red wine, perfect for comforting family dinners and those who enjoy bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, quartered ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, cut in wedges ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb. 4 oz.) can chickpeas ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (3 lb.) fryer chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 c. red wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix salt, pepper, and flour together and coat the chicken pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Brown the chicken on both sides.
- Add the onions, tomato, mushrooms, green pepper, oregano, bay leaf, red pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Stir in the red wine.
- Simmer lightly for 40 minutes until almost done.
- Stir in drained chickpeas.
- Cook until peas are heated well and chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in red wine and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have chickpeas, white beans or lentils can be a good substitute. For a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of tomato paste or adjust the flour quantity. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also be added for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of fluffy rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A light salad or steamed vegetables can complement the meal nicely. It pairs beautifully with Neckbones And Yellow Rice for a hearty feast. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a chilled glass of red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South America Polloal Cazador contains roughly 608 calories, with 24g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1724mg per serving (75% 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 skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken. Just keep in mind that the dish may be slightly less rich, as the skin adds flavor and moisture. You might want to adjust the cooking times slightly to ensure the meat stays tender.
What type of red wine is best for cooking?
A dry red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, works well for this dish. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the flavor profile. The wine you use for cooking should be good enough to drink, as it significantly impacts the overall taste.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This dish can be made a day ahead. Allow it to cool before transferring to an airtight container. The flavors will deepen overnight. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy days.
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).