Dominican Braised Chicken (Pollo Guisado)

One of the aspects I cherish most about traveling is discovering all the exotic flavors that await. It's thrilling to leave the U.S. behind and indulge my taste buds with new ingredients and tastes. Plus, it's a joy to bring these culinary adventures back to share with you! As an avid traveler, understanding local cuisines and identifying must-visit restaurants is crucial for me. During our Dinogo Cruise in the Eastern Caribbean, we stopped at Amber Cove in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. My partner and I chose to explore the area, savoring the many delightful offerings. One standout dish was the delightful Dominican Pollo Guisado (Braised Chicken).

The landscape here is vibrant and green, right by the water's edge. There are markets everywhere filled with the most gorgeous, fresh ingredients. I was eager to cook with these peppers!

Aren't these cherries stunning? We bought a bunch and enjoyed snacking on them throughout the day.

My children adore green olives, so this chicken dish was happily devoured! Dominican Pollo Guisado is ideal for quick weeknight dinners and entertaining guests alike. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 2 limes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 small red onion (1 cup), chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus additional salt and pepper to taste)
• 2 cloves of garlic, mashed
• 2 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil
• 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
• 2 cups water
• 4 plum tomatoes, quartered
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup green olives with pimentos
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish

1. In a bowl or resealable bag, marinate the chicken with oregano, onion, celery, salt, and garlic for 30 minutes.
2. In a pot, heat the oil over medium heat, add the sugar, and cook until it caramelizes.
3. Add the marinated ingredients and garlic, and sauté until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
4. Stir in the olives, water, and tomato sauce. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add fresh cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve alongside rice, salad, or beans.

Recipe adapted from https://www.dominicancooking.com/620-pollo-guisado-braised-chicken.html