Dominican-style Pollo Encacahuatado

Ingredients

In this Dominican adaptation of Pollo Encacahuatado, we incorporate traditional Dominican spices and flavors to create a unique twist. The original Mexican dish often includes ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, and chili peppers, which we replace with Dominican spices such as oregano, annatto, and sofrito. These changes infuse the dish with the distinct flavors of Dominican cuisine while still maintaining the essence of the original recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Pollo encacahuatado, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup (240 ml) creamy peanut butter 1 cup (240 ml) creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons Dominican sofrito 2 tablespoons Dominican sofrito
• 1 teaspoon ground annatto 1 teaspoon ground annatto
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter, sofrito, annatto, and oregano until well combined.
4. 4.
   Add the peanut butter mixture, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Dominican-style Pollo Encacahuatado over rice or with plantains. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Peanut butter — Make sure to use creamy peanut butter without any added sugar or salt for the best results.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier version, add a diced chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce.
• Serve the dish with a side of avocado slices for added freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Dominican-style Pollo Encacahuatado over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside sweet fried plantains. The combination of the savory chicken and the creamy peanut sauce pairs perfectly with the mild sweetness of the rice or the caramelized plantains.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color and freshness. You can also serve it in a traditional Dominican clay pot for an authentic touch.