There’s something about a bubbling pot of stew that instantly warms the heart and reminds me of comforting family dinners. When I first tasted Colombian Chicken Stew, I was enchanted by the rich, vibrant flavors that melded together harmoniously. It all began one chilly evening while experimenting in my kitchen, transforming a few simple ingredients into a hearty dish that quickly became a staple in our home.
Picture this: tender chicken drumsticks bathing in aromatic spices, the sweet aroma of sautéed peppers and onions mingling with garlic, creating a symphony of scents that beckon from the stove. As shivers danced outside, we gathered ’round the table, eager to savor each spoonful of this delightful stew.
In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing dinner that not only transports you to the warm streets of Colombia but also brings everyone together. This Colombian Chicken Stew is perfect for cozy nights or any day when you crave something homemade and fulfilling. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring some love into your kitchen!
Why is Colombian Chicken Stew a Must-Try?
Comforting, heartwarming flavors: This stew offers all the warmth of a family hug in every bite.
Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutrient-rich: Packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken and fresh veggies.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with rice and avocado for a fulfilled meal.
Instant crowd-pleaser: Bring your loved ones together over a delicious bowl that everyone will love.
Dive into this recipe for a delightful twist on traditional comfort food.
Colombian Chicken Stew Ingredients
For the Stew
- Vegetable oil – a tablespoon is perfect for sautéing and adding rich flavor.
- Chopped red bell pepper – adds sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Chopped onion – essential for building aromatic depth in your stew.
- Chicken drumsticks (skinless) – these provide hearty, tender protein that soaks up all the flavors.
- Minced garlic – infuses the stew with delightful, savory notes.
- Chopped tomatoes – they create a luxurious base and add juiciness to the mixture.
- Salt – enhances all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Pepper – adds just the right kick to elevate the dish.
- Baby potatoes, cut in half – they absorb the stew’s flavors while adding a satisfying bite.
- Chicken broth – forms the flavorful foundation of the stew; feel free to use homemade or store-bought.
- Sazon goya con azafran – a key ingredient that adds a beautiful color and distinct flavor to Colombian Chicken Stew.
- Cumin powder – gives an earthy warmth that harmonizes with the spices.
- Chopped fresh cilantro – brightens the dish and adds a fresh finish.
For Serving
- Avocado – optional, but its creaminess complements the stew beautifully—and enhances the meal’s heartiness.
How to Make Colombian Chicken Stew
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Heat the oil: In a Dutch oven or a large non-stick pot, warm up the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red bell pepper and onion, sautéing until the onions turn translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Brown the chicken: Toss in the chicken drumsticks along with the minced garlic and chopped tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until the chicken is lightly browned, stirring occasionally for about 4 minutes.
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Add remaining ingredients: Now, mix in the halved baby potatoes, chicken broth, Sazon seasoning, cumin, and chopped cilantro. Stir all the ingredients together gently.
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Simmer the stew: Bring everything to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low. Partially cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes, or until the baby potatoes are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
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Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving. Pair with avocado slices on rice for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Optional: Don’t forget to serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Colombian Chicken Stew
Fridge: Store your Colombian Chicken Stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezer: Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label it with the date!
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency.
Avoid Bacteria: Never leave the stew out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent any bacteria growth. Enjoy this comforting dish safely!
Expert Tips for Colombian Chicken Stew
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Chicken Selection: Use skinless drumsticks for a leaner option. Bone-in chicken also works but may require longer cooking time.
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Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and vegetables to enhance flavor. Dried herbs can lack the vibrancy of fresh cilantro.
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Simmer Slowly: Don’t rush the simmering step. Allowing the stew to cook gently for 30 minutes lets the flavors meld perfectly, making your Colombian Chicken Stew truly delicious.
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Spice Adjustments: Taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes!
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Serving Suggestions: Make it a complete meal by serving your stew over rice or with warm, crusty bread alongside avocado slices for extra creaminess.
Make Ahead Options
These Colombian Chicken Stew ingredients are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the vegetables (red bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to save precious time during the week. The chicken can also be marinated with garlic, salt, and pepper a day before cooking, ensuring the flavors deeply infuse the meat. When you’re ready to enjoy your stew, simply sauté the prepped veggies, add the chicken and remaining ingredients, and simmer as directed. This way, you’ll have a flavorful, heartwarming meal that’s just as delicious as if made from scratch, with minimal effort!
Colombian Chicken Stew Variations
Feel free to embrace your creativity and tailor this delightful stew to your taste preferences!
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or chili flakes during cooking for a fiery twist. Spice lovers will relish this enhanced flavor profile!
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Vegetarian Delight: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or lentils for a hearty plant-based version. The result is just as fulfilling while being entirely meat-free.
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Creamy Touch: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream towards the end of cooking for a luscious, rich texture. This adds a delicate sweetness and smoothness to every bite.
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Root Veggies: Swap out baby potatoes for carrots or sweet potatoes for a different texture and natural sweetness. These alternatives can bring a whole new dimension of flavor!
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or basil in place of cilantro. Each herb has a unique fragrance that brings a special flair to the stew.
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Citrus Zing: Squeeze some fresh lime juice over your stew just before serving for a bright, zesty finish. This addition will elevate the flavors and add a refreshing contrast.
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Nutty Flavor: Include a handful of toasted pine nuts or almonds as a garnish for a delightful crunch. This not only enhances the taste but also adds a pleasing texture.
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Broth Swap: Use vegetable broth or bone broth instead of chicken broth for varying base flavors. Each type of broth can infuse the dish with its own unique essence.
What to Serve with Colombian Chicken Stew?
Creating the perfect meal to accompany your steaming bowl of stew can enhance the cozy experience even more.
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Fluffy Rice: This classic pairing absorbs the savory broth beautifully, creating a hearty base that complements the stew’s flavors. It’s the perfect canvas for soaking up every drop.
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Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is ideal for dipping into your stew, making each bite as enjoyable as the last. The crunchy texture contrasts wonderfully with the stew’s softness.
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Fresh Avocado: Slices of creamy avocado add a luxurious touch while balancing the richness of the stew. With its smooth texture, it’s a delightful addition that brings richness to the meal.
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Crispy Corn Fritters: These add a crunch that contrasts with the tender stew while their subtly sweet flavor enhances the dish. The earthy tones of corn pair very well with Colombian flavors.
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Mixed Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette offers a bright counterpoint. Its crispness cleanses the palate between spoonfuls, keeping your meal vibrant.
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Colombian Arepas: These cornmeal cakes bring a familiar Colombian touch, providing chewiness and a subtle sweetness that melds well with the stew.
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Passion Fruit Juice: A refreshing drink like this provides a tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the stew’s spices. It’s a perfect way to cleanse your palate while enjoying the meal.
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Churros for Dessert: If you want to finish on a sweet note, homemade churros dusted in cinnamon sugar offer a delightful treat, rounding out the comforting dining experience wonderfully.
Colombian Chicken Stew Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chicken for the stew?
Absolutely! For this Colombian Chicken Stew, I recommend using skinless chicken drumsticks as they remain tender and soak up flavors beautifully. Bone-in chicken works too, but remember, it might require a bit longer to cook through.
What if my ingredients aren’t fresh enough?
Very good question! While fresh ingredients always enhance the stew’s flavor, if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen vegetables. Just be sure to thaw them first, and add them towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How should I store leftover Colombian Chicken Stew?
To store your delicious stew, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze Colombian Chicken Stew?
Of course! To freeze, allow the stew to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, ensuring to leave space for expansion, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to label the container with the date, so you know when to dig into that comforting goodness.
What do I do if the stew is too thick when reheating?
Great point! If you find that your stew thickens up after refrigeration, just add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating. Stir gently until you achieve your desired consistency—no one likes a dry stew!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you’re cooking for someone with poultry allergies, you could substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Also, feel free to adjust seasoning for dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this warm dish.
Colombian Chicken Stew that Warms Your Heart and Soul
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a Dutch oven or a large non-stick pot, warm up the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red bell pepper and onion, sautéing until the onions turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss in the chicken drumsticks along with the minced garlic and chopped tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until the chicken is lightly browned, about 4 minutes.
- Mix in the halved baby potatoes, chicken broth, Sazon seasoning, cumin, and chopped cilantro. Stir all the ingredients together gently.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Partially cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes, or until the baby potatoes are tender.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving. Pair with avocado slices on rice for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
