Pollo en Fricase with Stewed Chickpeas

Ingredients

• For the Fricassé Chicken:
• 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
• 0.5 cup tomato sauce
• 0.25 cup Spanish olives (optional, but delicious!)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet sazón or 1 tsp paprika + cumin mix
• 0.25 cup white cooking wine or chicken broth
• 0.5 cup water
• For the Stewed Chickpeas:
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 0.25 onion, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup tomato sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of cumin + oregano
• Salt to taste
• 0.25 cup water

Instructions

1. 1Step 1: Marinate + Sear the Chicken
2. 2Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, and sazón. Let sit for at least 10 minutes.
3. 3In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and sear until browned on all sides (about 6–8 min). Remove and set aside.
4. 4Step 2: Build the Fricassé Base
5. 5In the same pot, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until soft.
6. 6Stir in tomato sauce, olives, bay leaves, and cooking wine. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
7. 7Return the chicken to the pot. Add water, cover, and cook over medium-low for 30–35 minutes, or until chicken is tender and juicy.
8. 8Step 3: Stew the Chickpeas
9. 9While the chicken cooks, in a small saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
10. 10Add tomato sauce, chickpeas, cumin, oregano, and water. Simmer uncovered on low for 15–20 minutes until thick and flavorful.
11. 11Step 4: Bring It Together
12. 12Taste both dishes and adjust salt as needed. Serve chicken with its sauce, and spoon chickpeas on the side or on top. 🌟
13. 13Optional: Serve with white rice or sweet plantains for the ultimate comfort plate. 🍚🍌