Pollo Guisado

Name: Pollo Guisado
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Guatemalan
Ingredients: 1kg chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks); 4 Roma tomatoes, diced; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 potatoes, cubed; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 cup green beans, cut into 3cm pieces; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tsp cumin; 1 bay leaf; 2 tbsp oil; Salt and pepper; Cilantro for garnish

Pollo Guisado (POH-yoh ghee-SAH-doh)

Guatemalan Braised Chicken

⏱ Prep Time 15 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 384 kcal

Home-style braised chicken pieces simmered in a savory tomato and onion sauce with potatoes, carrots, and green beans, the everyday Guatemalan lunch.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 32.0g

Carbs 28.0g

Fat 16.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large pot with lid cutting board

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep plate

Garnishes: cilantro

Accompaniments: white rice, tortillas, frijoles volteados

Ingredients

1kg chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks)
4 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 potatoes, cubed
2 carrots, sliced
1 cup green beans, cut into 3cm pieces
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp cumin
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp oil
Salt and pepper
Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and cumin. Brown in oil on all sides in a large pot. Remove.
2
Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add diced tomatoes and cook 5 min into a sauce.
3
Return chicken to pot. Add broth and bay leaf. Cover and simmer 20 min.
4
Add potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Cover and cook 15 min more until vegetables are tender.
5
Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
6
Serve in deep plates with the sauce and vegetables, garnished with cilantro.

💡

Did You Know?

Pollo guisado appears on more Guatemalan lunch tables than any other dish — it is the definition of comida casera (home cooking).

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot with lid
cutting board

Garnishing

cilantro

Accompaniments

white rice, tortillas, frijoles volteados

The Story Behind Pollo Guisado

Pollo guisado is the backbone of Guatemalan home cooking, a simple braised chicken that every family eats at least once a week. The technique blends Spanish guisado (stew) traditions with the Guatemalan preference for tomato-based sauces. It represents accessible, nourishing everyday food rather than ceremonial cuisine.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch 📜 Origins: Colonial era

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