Sofrito Chicken Stew Recipe

This Sofrito Chicken Stew recipe is a delicious combination of flavors that brings the essence of Spanish cooking right to your kitchen. The comforting blend of chicken, beer, and a fantastic sofrito sauce made from scallions, garlic, tomatoes, and bell pepper is perfect for a family meal or dinner party.

Photos of Sofrito Chicken Stew Recipe

If you're not familiar with sofrito, it's a sauce used as a base in Spanish, Italian, and Latin American cooking. It typically consists of garlic, onions, peppers, and tomatoes cooked in olive oil. The key ingredient in this recipe is sazon, a type of seasoned salt found in many Latin American dishes. If you're not able to find it in your local supermarket, you could substitute it with a blend of garlic powder, turmeric, and a little msg (optional).

Ingredients for Sofrito Chicken Stew

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the sofrito ingredients and browning the chicken. It adds a rich flavor to the stew.

Scallions: Provides a mild, sweet onion flavor to the sofrito.

Garlic: Adds a kick of strong, pungent flavor to the sofrito.

Tomatoes: They add a sweet-sour balance to the sofrito.

Red bell pepper: Gives the sofrito a sweet, slightly smoky flavor.

Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the stew.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Sazon: A flavorful seasoning commonly used in Spanish and Latin American cooking.

Chicken drumsticks: The main protein in this stew. Drumsticks are used for their flavor and tenderness.

Garlic powder: Adds extra garlic flavor to the chicken.

Light beer: Adds a unique depth of flavor to the stew.

Water: Used to create the right consistency for the stew.

Cilantro: Adds a fresh, citrusy finish to the dish.

One reader, Ahmed Blythe says:

This sofrito chicken stew recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the chicken comes out so tender. The combination of spices and aromatics creates a truly delightful dish. It's now a family favorite, and I can't wait to make it again!

Ahmed Blythe

Techniques Required for Making Sofrito Chicken Stew Recipe

How to prepare sofrito: Heat olive oil in a deep saute pan. Add scallions and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes, then add tomatoes and peppers. Season with salt, cumin, and sazón or annatto. Set aside.

How to season chicken: Season the chicken with salt and garlic powder.

How to cook the stew: Combine the seasoned chicken with the sofrito. Add beer, water, and cilantro. Adjust salt if needed. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 to 30 minutes.

How to serve: Serve the sofrito chicken stew over rice.

How To Make Sofrito Chicken Stew

The wonderful combination of flavors from beer, tomatoes, scallions, and bell pepper make this sofrito chicken stew a great meal during this cold season.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Sofrito:

½tbspolive oil
6scallions,chopped
4cloves garlic,chopped fine
2tomatoes,diced
⅓cupred bell pepper,diced
1tspground cumin
1½tspsalt
1packetsazón

For Stew:

8largechicken drumsticks on the bone,skin removed, 4 oz each
½tspgarlic powder
6ozlight beer
1cupwater
salt,to taste
½cupcilantro,chopped or to taste

Instructions

Heat oil in a deep saute pan.
Add scallions and garlic, sauté 2 minutes, add tomatoes and peppers.
Season with salt, cumin, and sazón or annatto. Set aside.
Season chicken with salt and garlic powder; add to center of the pan allowing chicken to brown slightly on both sides.
Combine chicken with sofrito, and add beer, water and cilantro, adjust salt if needed.
Cover the pan and simmer on low until chicken is cooked through for about 20 to 30 minutes. Serve over rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 299.41kcal
Fat: 16.31g
Saturated Fat: 4.22g
Trans Fat: 0.08g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.85g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.41g
Carbohydrates: 4.12g
Fiber: 0.90g
Sugar: 1.37g
Protein: 30.89g
Cholesterol: 152.95mg
Sodium: 625.89mg
Calcium: 32.91mg
Potassium: 491.89mg
Iron: 1.70mg
Vitamin A: 55.10µg
Vitamin C: 15.02mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Sofrito Chicken Stew Recipe

When browning the chicken drumsticks, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This could cause the chicken to steam rather than brown, which would affect the overall flavor of the stew. Also, using a light beer in this recipe adds a subtle depth of flavor. However, if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the beer with chicken broth.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Sofrito Chicken Stew

Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later.

Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.

Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal preparation.

Efficient multitasking: Plan and execute tasks in parallel to maximize productivity in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Sofrito Chicken Stew Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
scallions - Substitute with chopped onions: Chopped onions can be used as a substitute for scallions, providing a similar savory flavor to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, although the flavor may be slightly milder.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing a convenient alternative with a similar flavor.
red bell pepper - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell pepper can be used as a substitute for red bell pepper, adding a slightly different color and flavor to the dish.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, providing a similar warm and earthy flavor to the dish.
sazon - Substitute with adobo seasoning: Adobo seasoning can be used as a substitute for sazon, adding a savory and slightly tangy flavor to the dish.
chicken drumsticks - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for drumsticks, providing a flavorful and tender alternative.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can be used as a substitute for garlic powder, adding a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
light beer - Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth: Chicken or vegetable broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for light beer, adding depth of flavor to the stew.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.

Best Presentation Ideas for Sofrito Chicken Stew

Elevate the plating: When presenting the sofrito chicken stew to Michelin-starred professionals, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Ensure that the stew is placed neatly and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for a pop of color.
Incorporate fine dining elements: Consider serving the sofrito chicken stew in a sophisticated and modern bowl or dish, elevating the dining experience for the professionals. Pay attention to the arrangement of the dish, ensuring that it exudes finesse and attention to detail.
Focus on precision: Pay close attention to the placement of each component of the sofrito chicken stew on the plate. Precision in plating demonstrates a high level of culinary skill and attention to detail, which is essential when presenting to professionals with three Michelin stars.
Highlight the vibrant colors: Showcase the vibrant hues of the stew by carefully arranging the sofrito chicken and its accompanying elements on the plate. The colorful ingredients should be presented in a visually appealing manner, creating an enticing and appetizing presentation.
Emphasize the aroma: Prior to presenting the dish, ensure that the sofrito chicken stew is fragrant and aromatic. As the plate is placed in front of the professionals, the enticing aroma should captivate their senses, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sofrito Chicken Stew

Deep saute pan: A deep saute pan is a versatile cooking vessel that is perfect for browning, sautéing, and simmering ingredients for the sofrito chicken stew.
Cutting board: A cutting board is essential for prepping the scallions, garlic, tomatoes, and red bell peppers for the sofrito.
Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is necessary for chopping and mincing the ingredients for the sofrito and for preparing the chicken drumsticks.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to accurately measure the water and beer needed for the stew.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring and combining the sofrito ingredients and chicken in the saute pan.
Lid or cover: A lid or cover for the saute pan is necessary to simmer the chicken stew until the chicken is cooked through.
Tongs: Tongs are helpful for turning and moving the chicken drumsticks in the saute pan.

Storing and Freezing Sofrito Chicken Stew: A Guide

Allow the sofrito chicken stew to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to spoilage and freezer burn.
Transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. If using a container, make sure to leave about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
If using a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. You can use a straw to suck out the excess air or use a vacuum sealer for optimal results.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when the stew was prepared and frozen.
When storing in the refrigerator, the sofrito chicken stew will keep for up to 4 days. Make sure to place the container in the coldest part of the fridge, typically the back.
If freezing, the stew can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the container or bag to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
When reheating, make sure the stew reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to consume. You can reheat the stew in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
If you find that the stew has thickened too much after freezing and reheating, you can add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

How To Reheat Sofrito Chicken Stew Leftovers

Reheat the sofrito chicken stew in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows the flavors to meld together even more, creating a richer and more delicious stew.
If you're short on time, you can reheat the stew in the microwave. Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
For a crispy twist, shred the leftover chicken and spread it on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and broil for 2-3 minutes until crispy. Serve the crispy chicken over the reheated sofrito sauce and rice for a delightful texture contrast.
Transform your leftover stew into a comforting soup by adding some chicken broth or water to thin out the sauce. Simmer the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency, and enjoy a whole new meal with minimal effort.
Create a flavorful filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas by reheating the shredded chicken and sofrito sauce in a skillet. Add some fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright and zesty finish.

Interesting Fact About Sofrito Chicken Stew

The sofrito chicken stew recipe is a traditional Latin American dish that combines aromatic ingredients such as scallions, garlic, and cilantro to create a flavorful base. This dish is often served over rice, allowing the savory stew to soak into the grains, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. The combination of spices and herbs in the sofrito adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it a favorite in many households. Additionally, the use of beer in the stew adds a unique richness and depth of flavor. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a truly delicious and comforting meal.

Is Making Sofrito Chicken Stew at Home Cost-Effective?

This sofrito chicken stew recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken drumsticks, tomatoes, and bell peppers, are generally affordable and readily available. The use of beer adds a unique flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability, delicious flavors, and the ability to feed a family without breaking the bank.

Is Sofrito Chicken Stew Healthy or Unhealthy?

The sofrito chicken stew recipe is a relatively healthy dish with some room for improvement. Here's why:

The recipe uses olive oil, which is a healthy fat source rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Scallions, garlic, tomatoes, and red bell peppers provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Chicken drumsticks are a good source of protein, but they are also higher in fat compared to leaner cuts like chicken breast.
The recipe uses light beer, which adds flavor but also contributes to the overall calorie count.
Sazon packets often contain high amounts of sodium, which can be a concern for those watching their salt intake.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for skinless chicken drumsticks or replace them with chicken breast to reduce the fat content.
Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of water to add more flavor without relying on salt.
Replace the sazon packet with a homemade blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and annatto to control the sodium content.
Increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe, such as adding carrots or zucchini, to boost the fiber and nutrient content.
Serve the stew with a side of leafy greens or a salad to balance out the meal and add more vitamins and minerals.
Use brown rice instead of white rice as a serving option to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates.

Editor's Opinion on the Sofrito Chicken Stew Recipe

This sofrito chicken stew recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and aromas. The sofrito base infuses the dish with a rich, savory essence, while the chicken becomes tender and succulent as it simmers in the aromatic liquid. The addition of beer adds a depth of flavor, and the cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous note. This dish is a perfect balance of hearty and comforting, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying meal. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.

Enhance Your Sofrito Chicken Stew Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, topped with a dollop of butter.

Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of roasted vegetables, including carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, seasoned with herbs and olive oil.

Garlic Bread: Slices of crusty French bread, slathered with garlic-infused butter and toasted to perfection.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Sofrito Chicken Stew

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: This creamy and flavorful risotto is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of earthy mushrooms and creamy rice will leave you wanting more.

Citrus Grilled Salmon: This zesty and refreshing grilled salmon is the perfect dish for a summer barbecue. The citrus marinade adds a burst of flavor to the tender and flaky fish.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: These tropical and refreshing popsicles are the perfect treat for a hot summer day. The combination of sweet mango and creamy coconut will transport you to a tropical paradise.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Sofrito Chicken Stew

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a mouthwatering appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Whip up a tropical-inspired appetizer by coating shrimp in a crispy coconut breading. Fry until golden brown and serve with a tangy dipping sauce for a delightful burst of flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

Why trust this Sofrito Chicken Stew Recipe:

This recipe offers a delicious and authentic taste, using fresh and wholesome ingredients. The sofrito is made with aromatic scallions, flavorful garlic, ripe tomatoes, and vibrant red bell pepper. The combination of cumin and sazon adds depth and richness to the dish. The chicken is simmered in a flavorful broth made with light beer and water, infusing it with savory goodness. The addition of cilantro at the end enhances the overall freshness. Trust this recipe for a hearty and satisfying chicken stew that will surely impress your taste buds.

Discuss this Sofrito Chicken Stew recipe and share your own twists in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

Can I use boneless chicken instead of drumsticks?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless chicken in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as boneless chicken cooks faster than drumsticks.

Can I substitute the light beer with something else?

If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth for a similar depth of flavor.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

Can I freeze the sofrito chicken stew?

Yes, you can freeze the stew. Just make sure to cool it down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I use something else instead of sazón?

If you don't have sazón, you can substitute it with a mixture of paprika, ground coriander, and a pinch of ground cumin for a similar flavor profile.