Slow Cooker Puerto Rican Chicken

Christine August 3, 2021 - 10:42 pm

Is it suppose to stay very liquidity? I used chicken breast followed the recipe but it never thickened. I cooked it with out the lid on it. What can I do to thicken it up? It smells wonder and taste great but it was as thick as I though it was going to be. Thanks

Jannese August 3, 2021 - 10:43 pm

Pollo guisado doesn't have a thick sauce. You can add cornstarch (dissolve in a bit of water before stirring into the stew) to thicken if desired.

Yvonne August 17, 2021 - 5:53 pm

@Christine With the back of a spoon smush one or two of the potatoes which will thicken it up!! My Puerto Rican mom taught me this ❤️❤️❤️

Holly August 17, 2021 - 9:00 pm

My mother-in-law taught me to use plantain. Sheed it into a masa and make into little balls. Drop them in and it adds flavor and thickens the sauce, along with the potatoes.

Elie July 21, 2021 - 11:49 pm

This was soooo good! I didn't have any bay leaves or olives, my sofrito only consisted of cilantro, garlic and an Italian green pepper but it still came out very tasty, can't wait to try it again with all the ingredients.

I would say just add the chicken powder little by little as it was slightly on the salty side (might be my seasoning ) but definitely worth the try.

Thank you!

Juan August 18, 2021 - 10:32 pm

Yea you are right. Next time I will pour only half.

Danielle Hale July 7, 2021 - 1:31 am

I just made this recipe and it was amazing. My family kept going back for more

Moni July 1, 2021 - 12:50 am

I've made this 3 times using your recipe. I'm not Puerto Rican, but my boyfriend is and every time I make it, he gobbles it down and is so impressed with how it comes out. He says it reminds him of his grandma's recipe. Thank you!

Annie May 2, 2021 - 5:30 pm

Any suggestion what to do with the left over sauce/liquid?

First time to do it and it is amazing!!

Jannese May 5, 2021 - 1:46 am

I love using it to make arroz con gandules.

Victor Alvarez May 24, 2021 - 5:05 am

HI Jannese,

This POLLO GUISADO was amazing thank you for the recipe. I see you said I can make arroz con gandules with the left over liquid. How do I use the liquid from the POLLO GUISADO meal to make arroz con gandules?

Jannese May 25, 2021 - 12:24 am

Thank you! Use it just like chicken broth.

David A. Niehoff April 24, 2021 - 9:18 pm

Reminds me of my Grandma's cooking!

Victoria March 2, 2021 - 7:14 pm

Haven't made this in ages as hubby was Puerto Rican. If I don't have homemade sofrito then I usually use a blend of the goya sofrito and recaito equal amount from both. I have a pot on now and it smells so wonderful, will probably have to be extra bad and do a pot of rice and gandules using the juice from the stewed chicken 🙂 TO DIE FOR!!!!

Isaac February 14, 2021 - 9:14 pm

I'm making it right now. On a Sunday and for lunches for the week. And I know the leftovers taste better because its on marinating. Buen Provecho!!!

R January 20, 2021 - 2:56 am

I tend to use 1pound of bone in chicken, how long do you think I should simmer the chicken? 40-50 seems too long.

Lisa February 6, 2021 - 8:28 pm

I make this all the time. Put water in the pot and start adding ingredients immediately. Then cook until potatoes are done. That should be it

Lisa February 6, 2021 - 8:31 pm

And I add kidney beans (don't drain) , green peppers too

Lisa February 6, 2021 - 8:29 pm

I also add ham cubes or ham bouillon.

Liz December 9, 2020 - 5:00 am

First time making Puerto Rican food. This made my house smell wonderful and the taste is even better!

Ivonne November 24, 2020 - 11:23 am

Excelent recipe. I would add recao if I had some available.

Alida May 10, 2021 - 4:24 pm

I feel like I remember my mom adding corn on the cob to this! Anyone else?

Jannese May 11, 2021 - 5:49 pm

Yes, my mom does that sometimes as well.

Sandra Sleeper October 28, 2020 - 1:09 pm

I have been looking for a good puerto rican stew. Made this 2 days ago for the first time and used the slow cooker. I have alot of liquid with little chicken left. What can I do with this delicious stew? I doo not want to throw it away.

Virginia January 31, 2021 - 8:14 pm

Hello Sandra.
I had a lot of the juices/stew left b4 and i froze it until the next time. My boys say its "On Fire"…lol I took it as they loved it when i first made and when i used the stew for my next time. Delicious!

Sc October 23, 2020 - 11:02 pm

Would i use 4 pounds for 8 people and double everything else since the recipe says 4 servings 2 pounds

Jannese October 23, 2020 - 11:08 pm

Yes, you can double the recipe as indicated. Note that doubling the recipe will probably lead to a longer cooking time, so plan ahead.

Sc October 25, 2020 - 5:09 pm

How much longer

Jannese October 25, 2020 - 6:49 pm

Until the chicken is fall off the bone tender.

Priscilla October 16, 2020 - 8:41 pm

Was looking at your recipe to see what the difference between this and Cuban fricase de pollo is and the only thing I notice is the carrots. Maybe you could explain the difference to me?

Jannese October 16, 2020 - 8:55 pm

Pollo fricasé usually contains wine. That's the main difference.

Margarita October 10, 2020 - 1:41 pm

I made this last night, it was a hit! thanks

Nelsis September 15, 2020 - 10:17 am

What lind of sofrito do you use? I seen a red one and green one by goya.

Jannese September 15, 2020 - 11:37 am

Vivian Quinto September 23, 2020 - 4:59 am

I know homeade is best but if Im not going to make my own sofrito this one time, which of the Goya sofrito should I purchase the red or green? Thank you

Jannese September 23, 2020 - 11:33 am

I like using their frozen version if you can find it, if not, either jarred version works.

Vivian September 29, 2020 - 2:21 pm

I ended up making the homeade sofrito and it turned out delicious. Btw, I also made Pastellon yesterday using frozen platanos just like you mentioned and it was so sweet and probabaly the best one I've had. My family loved both of these recipes. Thank you very much!!

Jannese September 29, 2020 - 2:31 pm

Thank you Vivian! Glad you enjoyed the recipes!

Marisela Nieves September 11, 2020 - 4:26 am

Made this tonight. Delicious!! I am Puerto Rican and can cook but not the greatest and this came out yummy! Thanks for the recipe!

Marc August 7, 2020 - 3:10 pm

Should I simmer with the pot covered or uncovered? In the directions you say covered and in the ingredients you say uncovered. Thanks!

Jannese August 8, 2020 - 8:04 pm

It depends on how quickly your liquid is evaporating. If it's too watery, cook with the lid off until it reduces to your desired consistency. Otherwise, simmer using a lid.

Yahajaira August 5, 2020 - 6:19 pm

Hi, should I leave the skin on chicken or take it off? I'm using legs and thighs. Thank you so much!

Jannese August 5, 2020 - 6:23 pm

It's up to your individual preference, I've done it both ways with delicious results.

Yahajaira August 6, 2020 - 4:34 am

Thank you for sharing your recipe! It was delicious! My husband and kids aren't fans of fricase de pollo, and weren't very excited when I told them what I was making tonight, but they loved it! Your pollo guisado recipe is delicious!!! Thanks again!

Jannese August 6, 2020 - 1:57 pm

Thank you so much! Glad you and the family enjoyed the recipe!

Joe August 30, 2020 - 2:11 am

This is the third time I've made this dish using your recipe. It is always a huge hit!

Jannese August 30, 2020 - 2:30 am

Thank you Joe!

Cindy August 19, 2020 - 7:58 pm

I dont see the amount of water. Can you help me with that?

Jannese August 19, 2020 - 8:57 pm

Hello, the ingredient list indicates 3 cups of water.

MA July 30, 2020 - 12:33 pm

Delicious! Instead of adding 3 cups of water, I added 2 and 1 cup of Modelo beer, suggested by another cook. So awesome 🙂 Thanks for sharing this recipe – and I have tried several Pollo Guisado recipes in my lifetime!

Jannese July 30, 2020 - 12:35 pm

I Love that idea, I'm going to try it! Sometimes I add some red wine; but then technically that makes it a fricasee.

Ash May 17, 2020 - 6:03 pm

I bought some sazon but its not in packet form. How much should I use?

Jannese May 17, 2020 - 8:07 pm

Use 1.5 teaspoons for each packet called for in a recipe.

Kim June 2, 2020 - 2:41 pm

Can you substitute water with chicken broth (low sodium)? Thank you.

Samantha V. June 7, 2020 - 4:08 am

Hi Kim. Did you end up making it with chicken broth instead of water, if so, how did it turn out?

frances figueroa July 14, 2020 - 8:18 pm

Yummy recipe hubby loves when I make this for him one of his fav dishes. Thankyou for sharing so flavorful ♥️

Vedette July 12, 2020 - 11:31 pm

Hello, how do you make this in a slow cooker? I made it on the stove but would prefer it in the slow cooker. It was also delicious. Thank you.

Jannese July 12, 2020 - 11:49 pm

Place the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on high for 4-6 hours.

Nikki April 22, 2021 - 5:53 am

Do you brown the chicken first before putting it into the slow cooker?

Jannese April 23, 2021 - 5:31 am

Yes.

Nichole Wiley July 25, 2020 - 6:59 pm

Just made this today and OMG the house smells amazing!!!! I added chick pea to mine just because, chopped up onions (sauté in the same pot i browned the chicken) and i also put the carrots and potatoes in at the 2nd 20 minute mark. It's perfect.

Jannese July 25, 2020 - 7:20 pm

Thank you!

Jesse L. May 15, 2020 - 2:17 am

Sooooo good! I don't consider myself a cook. I make easy dishes that don't require a lot of ingredients or time. I'm Puerto Rican, but don't really cook any Puerto Rican dishes. This dish was so good. Never imagined I would be cooking latin food and this recipe made it easy. Thank you!

Jake May 14, 2020 - 12:57 pm

Do you think this would be good if I used Yuca instead of potatoes?

Jannese May 14, 2020 - 3:35 pm

Absolutely, yuca would be amazing!

Gloria May 3, 2020 - 9:20 pm

This is the best dish ever. I always use the recipe for my base, then add on to make it my own. Thank you so much for having your recipe for those who don't know how to cook traditional Spanish food

Jannese May 3, 2020 - 9:46 pm

So glad you like it! Sharing my family recipes makes me happy, it reminds me of home and simpler times. Enjoy!

Carol April 26, 2020 - 1:54 pm

I have made this in a Dutch oven several times. Sooooo good. Trying the slow cooker today. Muchísimas gracias por esta receta. Deliciosa!

Jannese April 26, 2020 - 2:13 pm

Gracias Carol! Glad you enjoyed the recipe!

Melissa Nieves June 22, 2020 - 5:47 pm

How did it come out?

Michael Tumbarello March 22, 2020 - 1:34 am

Oh my god this is the most delicious dish ever. Thank you so much!!!!!

Brittany King March 8, 2020 - 2:01 pm

Can I use a caldero?

Jannese March 8, 2020 - 4:19 pm

Absolutely!

Alessia R March 5, 2020 - 11:45 pm

I love making this! It's my second time and it tastes so good! But my potatoes ALWAYS overcook and it becomes slop. So I would suggest adding the potatoes and carrots 20 minutes in from the simmer time. Other than, awesome recipe!

Jannese March 6, 2020 - 12:44 am

Thank you!

Glenna February 22, 2020 - 4:30 pm

Do you have the instant pot instructions?
If not, do you still brown them first and then throw everything else in? Is it high pressure and how many minutes? Thank you. 🙂

Jannese February 22, 2020 - 6:58 pm

Hi, I haven't made this in the instant pot yet, so I can't provide instructions. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!

Rachel Herrera February 22, 2020 - 12:20 am

Is a 4 quart Dutch oven big enough for this recipe? Thank you!

Jannese February 22, 2020 - 12:26 am

Yes!

Marisol Gomez July 18, 2020 - 12:24 am

Sooo delicious! I didn't have bone in chicken, just boneless breast. Turned out great either way, added about 1 1/2 cups of chopped spinach and celery for more veggies. Yummy! Thanks

Natalia Smith February 3, 2020 - 10:59 am

All I can say is sabroso. Excellent recipe.

Natalia January 26, 2020 - 8:35 pm

I am from Spain. This is the best pollo guisado I have ever tasted. Viva Puerto Rico. Gracias por la receta.

Darlene January 6, 2020 - 5:17 pm

Hi Jannese,

This dish is delish! I made it over the weekend! I just wanted to check on 1 ingredient! On your ingredient list, you have tomato "paste", but in the instructions, you have tomato "sauce". I'm assuming that you meant sauce, but because I opened the can of paste going by the ingredients list, that's what I used.

Jannese January 6, 2020 - 5:34 pm

Hi Darlene, you're right, it's tomato paste! I've updated the recipe card to reflect that. Thanks for the head's up.

Ricky February 2, 2020 - 6:18 am

Well traditionally we used tomato sauce, but hey I guess I should try it with the paste on of these days.

Jannese February 2, 2020 - 9:25 am

You can also use tomato sauce, either one works!

Jessica February 2, 2020 - 3:49 pm

Hello,
Using tomato sauce will that be half a can for this dish or whole? Can you use cumin on this or will it be too much?

Jannese February 2, 2020 - 7:03 pm

This dish is very forgiving. You can absolutely use a whole 8 oz can. Watch out with cumin, use sparingly, as it quickly takes over a dish.

April Deese May 31, 2020 - 1:03 am

What if I don't have a Dutch pan?

Jannese May 31, 2020 - 2:25 am

Any large soup pot with a lid will work.

Jocelyn January 9, 2020 - 3:30 pm

Delish! I have struggle to made this dish and now I have a go to recipe.
Thanks!

Jannese January 9, 2020 - 3:53 pm

Thank you!

Lorraine January 3, 2020 - 10:19 pm

OMG. DELISH…… I was lucky enough to have a friend to give me some homemade
Sofrito and it made this even more yummy. This is absoultely a keeper…..

Jannese January 3, 2020 - 10:33 pm

Thank you Lorraine! How lucky are you to have a sofrito hookup!

Ricky February 2, 2020 - 6:21 am

You could make the sofrito your self. You can google it and then freeze it when it's done

Glendali Correa-Brown December 17, 2019 - 7:14 am

Sounds very yummy. I loved my Abuela's Pollo Guisado and cant wait to try this recipe. I read that you can use the crockpot instead, but what are the instructions in how to make it in a crockpot instead.

Jannese December 17, 2019 - 4:21 pm

Hi! To make the recipe in a crockpot, brown the chicken, then add everything to the crockpot. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6.

Norma E Melendez January 19, 2020 - 4:13 pm

I make my pollo guisado but Never with water. My mom used and teach us to make with beer or red wine; not cooking wine, Red wine the ones you drink during of after dinner and believe me nobody going to get drunk with that pollo guisado. Have made like this since I learned how to cook.

Angelica October 24, 2019 - 4:56 am

I love this recipe. I have made it a number of times, and found that it is very easy to adjust for different quantities. It is also very forgiving in that I don't always have exact measurements, but as long as I follow the general proportions of the ingredients, it will still turn out tasty. It is now one of my go-tos. Thank you so much for sharing!

Ilene November 1, 2019 - 2:49 am

Luuuuv, I mean absolutely luuuuuv the pollo guisado! Ingredients are great but I always use my own sofrito. Do you have a sofrito recipe? Mine is very basic. I would love to see what other people put in theirs.

Giselle October 22, 2019 - 1:19 am

Going to try this recipe out this weekend for my friend Bday Party wanted to see if Mofongo will go with the Pollo Guisado instead of steam Rice.

Jannese October 22, 2019 - 1:49 am

Absolutely, mofongo is a great accompaniment to pollo guisado!

Stephanie Wilson October 2, 2019 - 12:57 am

It's simmering now and smells so amazing. Thank you for this recipe!!!

Jannese October 2, 2019 - 1:16 am

Awesome, can't wait to hear how it came out!

Tami Thompson September 26, 2019 - 9:25 pm

I have been waiting for this recipe! I'm Puerto Rican and my mom was an excellent cook, but she did everything with a pinch of this, a pinch of that so no recipes survived her. I found your site looking for arroz con gandules, made them.. GREAT! Made your carne guisa… GREAT! So I've been waiting for the 3rd in my trio of favorite recipes, and this is it. Can't wait to try it! BTW your recipes are very much in line with the way mom cooked so for me, so far, your recipes are perfection itself.

Jannese September 28, 2019 - 12:05 am

Thank you so much Tami, this makes me so happy!

Ilene November 1, 2019 - 2:40 am

I agree with you! The recipes are amazing. Some people attempt to imitate Spanish cooking and somehiw always miss the mark BY LARGE but this cook definitely knew what spices to use!

Isabela September 4, 2019 - 10:29 pm

Buenas tardes. Si no tengo Italian Seasoning que puedo usar?

Jannese September 4, 2019 - 11:56 pm

Puedes usar oregano seco.

Melissa April 25, 2018 - 7:39 pm

thanks for the recipe made this today with chicken thighs added onion and garlic powder to season the chicken as well as the stew came out so good!

Jannese April 25, 2018 - 7:58 pm

Thanks so much Melissa! Glad you enjoyed the recipe!

frances figueroa December 25, 2019 - 7:46 pm

Made it for the first time and hunny loved it so much, he wants me to make it tonight for Christmas!

Lena February 10, 2018 - 2:20 pm

Can you make this using a slow cooker?

Jannese February 10, 2018 - 3:34 pm

Yes you can!

Tashira July 4, 2017 - 3:36 pm

Any recommendations if I don't have a Dutch oven?

Jannese July 4, 2017 - 6:05 pm

Any heavy bottom pot will work.

Sonia May 7, 2017 - 11:37 am

how many pounds of chicken should I use to serve about eight people?

Jannese May 9, 2017 - 12:39 pm

I'd make about 1 pound per person, that will be plenty of leftovers that you can send people home with!

Sc October 25, 2020 - 6:03 pm

Sonia how did it come out doubling all ingredients

Toi March 18, 2017 - 8:29 pm

Hi I'm so excited to cook both carne and pollo guisada! I've never cooked it but I remember being 13 and my friends mother cooked carne guisada I'm 37 so I'm craving this dish. My husband doesn't eat beef so that's why I'm cooking both lol. Is it ok to make arroz con gandules instead of white rice??

Jannese March 19, 2017 - 11:43 am

White rice or arroz con granules are a perfect complement to either dish, they are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. Enjoy!

Michelle March 15, 2017 - 11:38 pm

Yum! I just got back from PR and I'm excited to find your website!! For sofrito, are you making your own? If so, could you share your recipe? Otherwise are you using the red or green?

Jannese March 17, 2017 - 3:01 pm

Hi Michelle, I have a sofrito recipe on my blog, just search in the Puerto Rican recipes section. Thanks!

Fred February 21, 2017 - 12:54 am

What is sazon and sofrito? I'm Asian.

Jannese February 21, 2017 - 1:08 am

Hi Fred,
Feel free to search those terms on my website, you'll find recipes for both.

Jennefer S February 10, 2017 - 6:49 pm

How many does this serve approximately? I'm cooking for my daughters Quinceanera and need to serve about 50.

Jannese February 10, 2017 - 7:19 pm

25 lbs of chicken would feed 50 people.

TeeTee January 1, 2017 - 1:38 am

Tastes delicious! I added some flour to make the stew a little thicker but the flavors were amazing! Thank you!

nicole December 13, 2016 - 9:53 am

Hi I'm excited to ry this dish tonight. I'm going to use chicken wings and drum sticks, good idea? Also I'm hoping for fall off the bone chicken am I still only simmering for 20 to 30 mintues?

Ricardo December 1, 2016 - 2:10 pm

I'm sorry it took so long to comment. I made this recipe a while ago and my wife told me she didn't like pollo guisado. I am still laughing about that comment because I got to eat the whole thing all by myself. it was delish….. muchas gracias

Jannese December 28, 2016 - 2:32 am

That's awesome Ricardo!

Mercy October 24, 2016 - 6:37 pm

Made it last night and it was a hit!!!
I made it of course with the white rice
So so delicious my kids and boyfriend loved it
Thanks for the easy recipe

Ariel January 24, 2021 - 12:07 am

Easy and delicious.

Jane Eyre September 21, 2016 - 12:26 pm

Made this last night! It was delicious! Thank you so much!

Jannese September 21, 2016 - 12:26 pm

Thank you!

J.C. Zayas March 28, 2016 - 11:52 pm

Jannese,
Just made this dish and must say it replaces my old recipe ten fold! Followed your recipe to the letter and "que sabroso!" Gracias

Jannese March 28, 2016 - 11:54 pm

That's awesome JC! I'm glad you loved it!

Jazmin March 27, 2016 - 4:22 pm

Can i make it with noodles as well?

Jannese March 27, 2016 - 4:29 pm

Hi Jazmin, that sounds ymmy!

Mandy March 7, 2016 - 6:01 pm

This recipe looks delicious! I am white and my husband is Puerto Rican, and I can cook pretty good but am always looking to better my Puerto Rican dishes. My mother in law is Dominican so they usually have that touch from her teaching me. : )
I'll be making this tonight, with rice of course.
Thanks so much for the recipe.

Jannese March 7, 2016 - 6:23 pm

That's awesome Mandy, good luck!

Tiana Lee February 16, 2016 - 11:15 pm

Thank you for refreshing my memory with this amazing recipe.

Jannese February 17, 2016 - 3:19 am

Thanks Tiana!!

Maggie January 9, 2016 - 12:00 am

Do you have any recipes for Yuca? My mother in law gave me a recipe a long time ago but has since passed away and I lost my recipe book when I moved. My husband has been craving Yuca for months now and I would love to make it for him. I just found your site and thought you would be the best person to ask!!

Jannese January 9, 2016 - 12:11 am

Hi Maggie what kind of yuca recipe are you looking for? Boiled, fried, etc?

Anna December 6, 2015 - 9:09 pm

I new to cooking and I will be attempting this tonight but with chicken breasts. Do I have to brown them first aswell ?

Jannese December 6, 2015 - 9:50 pm

Yes Anna, brown the chicken breasts.

Jose November 5, 2015 - 5:54 pm

Being Puerto Rican Myself and cooking since I was 10 yrs, I find nestled at this golden age of 46 going to the Internet to refresh myself with recipes from my past, and our recipes is on point… thank you for sharing and made my life easier…

Jannese November 5, 2015 - 6:42 pm

Hi Jose! Thanks so much for stopping by! Buen provecho!