Pollo Guisado Criollo con Papas y Aceitunas – Authentic Venezuela Recipe

Ingredients for Pollo Guisado Criollo con Papas y Aceitunas (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) golden chicken thighs, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups cubed potatoes and carrots, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup green olives and capers
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with achiote (onoto)
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Venezuela seasoning (cumin, garlic, sweet bell peppers, cilantro)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown golden chicken thighs for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, achiote (onoto), and cumin, garlic, sweet bell peppers, cilantro, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add cubed potatoes and carrots and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in green olives and capers right before serving warm.