This Colombian stew with chicken and potatoes takes 30 minutes to cook, but it tastes like hours of simmering have gone into making this dish. The secret is in the sauce that's made from tomatoes, onion, garlic, and cilantro.
We recommend doubling or tripling the recipe so you can enjoy leftovers for days!
There are few things more comforting than a big pot of Colombian chicken stew with potatoes. This traditional dish is perfect for colder weather; it warms you up from the inside out and makes your house smell like home.
The recipe below has excellent flavor combinations that make this dish easy to love-- especially if you're not used to cooking Latin food!
Colombian cuisine is influenced by Indigenous Colombian, Spanish, and African cuisines, with slight Arab influence in some regions, and it's absolutely delicious!
๐ Why it Works
- Fragrant and brimming with flavor, this classic Sudado de Pollo recipe continues to please.
- Perfect for a quick weeknight family meal or a dinner party with friends.
- Chicken is quicker to cook, but it is lower in calories than beef or pork and cheaper too. Win-Win!
- This Colombian stew is suitable for freezing. So why not make double and freeze half? That way, you'll have a homemade ready meal for another super busy evening in the future.
NOTE: We have also included Instant Pot instructions below.
๐ Ingredients and Notes
This gluten-free and dairy-free dish uses primary pantry ingredients that are cooked to perfection.
๐ Meats
This recipe used skinless drumsticks, but really, you can use any chicken pieces.
Parts to include:
- Drumsticks - The strong, rounded muscles help them to withstand long periods in hot liquids. Plus, this cut is inexpensive, full of flavors, and it cooks fast.
- Chicken thighs - best bone-in and skin-on, but boneless skinless thighs work great too!
- Breast - Chicken breast is less flavorful than dark meat, but you can certainly use it if you'd like.
๐ฅ Potatoes
We used halved small yellow potatoes, called baby Dutch because of their uniformity in size. You can also use any of these potatoes and cut them into chunks:
- Yukon gold
- Russet
- Red potatoes
- New potatoes
- Fingerlings
๐ง Vegetables
- Onion - yellow, white, or Spanish onion. We do not recommend red onion for this dish.
- Garlic
- Red bell pepper - you can use any color you have on hand and even add hot pepper if you like spicy food.
๐ง Seasonings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cumin
- Sazon Goya con Azafran
What's in Sazon Goya con Azafran?
Authentic flavors of South American cuisine are captured in this exceptional seasoning. Mexican saffron, cumin, garlic, and turmeric create an intriguing flavor combination that will turn your ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones.
This aromatic ingredient adds flavor and color, and it's essential for paellas, stews, and rice dishes.
๐ช Instructions
- First, we sauté the peppers and onions in oil until the vegetables soften, for a couple of minutes.
- Then we add the drumsticks, garlic, tomatoes, salt, and pepper and cook to brown the meat lightly.
- Next, we add potatoes, broth, sazon seasoning, and cilantro.
- Lastly, we finish by simmering the stew until potatoes and meat are tender, for about 30 minutes.
๐ฝ How To Serve It
- I like to serve this Colombian classic as the natives do: with white rice (Jasmine or Basmati rice are the best), ripe plantains, and avocado slices. But it's also great with crusty bread to sop up the sauce, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
- A drizzle of lime or lemon juice will enhance the flavors.
- You could add a generous dollop of sour cream on the top or leave that out if you want to keep the calories down!
Pressure Cooker Colombian Chicken Stew
Why not take advantage of your Instant Pot and cook this amazing dish in half the time? See the slow cooker chicken potato stew instructions below in the recipe box for the "set it and forget it" kind of meal.
- Select the "Sauté" option to pre-heat the Instant Pot. When the word "Hot" appears on display, add the oil, bell peppers, and onions and sauté until onions are translucent. Press "Cancel" to turn the cooker off.
- Combine potatoes and the rest of the ingredients, and close then seal the lid of the Instant Pot. Select "Meat/Stew", "Pressure Cook," or "Manual" and set the timer (+/- button) to 15 minutes.
- When time is up, release pressure using Quick Release (press "Cancel" and then turn the steam release handle on the lid to the "Venting" position), then remove the lid.
- This Colombian Chicken Stew will be perfectly cooked and delicious after 30 minutes. Still, you can cook it for up to 90 minutes - a longer cooking time will result in a more concentrated and developed flavor.
- You can replace the broth (stock) with the same amount of water and 1 chicken bouillon.
- Use boneless, skinless thighs instead of drumsticks. If you prefer, keep the skin on. You can also use chicken breast, but dark meat is more flavorful.
- Add more stock or water if it gets too dry. Alternatively, cook uncovered for 10-15 min longer if there's too much liquid.
- You could also transfer your dish to the oven and cook it at 375 F for 30-45 minutes instead of the stovetop. Make sure to use a Dutch oven, cast iron, or another oven-proof dish.
- This stew is suitable for freezing.
โ Reviews
"Just made this, and it’s fire!! Tastes just like my Titi used to make when I was little. Thank you for this gem. I will be making it often!!โค๏ธ๐" - Amber, via Pinterest
"I made this tonight, and all of the flavors really came together. Even my picky husband said he loved it. I didn’t even get a picture before this was devoured." - Cassie, via Pinterest
โ Frequently Asked Questions
This seasoning is usually found at most grocery stores in the Latin aisle, or you can order it online. However, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon each of ground coriander, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, ground annatto seeds (optional for the color - you can also use paprika or turmeric), salt, and black pepper.
Yes, we have included the instant pot instruction in the post above, and check out the Expert Tips for the slow cooker version in the recipe box below.
Refrigerate the leftover stew at room temperature in an airtight container. Properly stored, it will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can freeze the stew for up to three months. However, frozen potatoes will become soft and grainy. Remove them from the stew before freezing. You can add freshly cooked potatoes later when you reheat the stew if you wish.
More delicious chicken stew recipes
You will love these easy poultry classics:
- Bosnian One-Pot Chicken Rice Dinner - One pot Bosnian chicken rice dinner is a perfect dish for busy families-delicious and super easy to make!
- Indian Chicken Tikka Masala - We included all the spices you love with our best twists. Trust us, with this dish in your recipe book, it'll be hard to call for takeout again!
- One-Pot Chicken Shrimp Pasta Alfredo - We've got a delicious recipe for an evening of pasta that will warm you right down to the bone.
- French Chicken in Beer Sauce - Beer and cheese is a time-tested combo. Why not combine it with the great taste of potent, succulent meat in this recipe? This dish will have your mouth watering!
- Instant Pot Garlic Lemon Chicken - You'll love this easy dish. Our garlic lemon chicken thigh recipe is so good you won't even have to buy a side dish!
- Cajun Chicken Gumbo with Barley - A world of flavors comes together in every spoonful of this savory gumbo.
- Indian Ginger Garlic Chicken - This meal is meant to take you back to India. No passport is required. If you’re looking for a bold new flavor, try this spicy dish today!
- One-Pot African Spicy Chicken Peanut Stew - This stew with chicken drumsticks in tomato, garlic, onion, ginger, and peanut butter sauce has a delicious combination of flavors that will make you want to lick the bowl clean!
Liked this recipe? Leave a โญโญโญโญโญ rating and/or a review in the comments section. Your feedback is always appreciated! Stay in touch through Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! Don't forget to sign up for my email list below too!
Colombian Chicken Stew - Sudado de Pollo
EQUIPMENT
- Dutch oven or a skillet with a lid
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 chicken drumsticks, skinless
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound baby potatoes, cut in half
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sazon goya con azafran
- ¼ teaspoon cumin powder
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnishing
- Avocado for serving, optional
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, a large non-stick pot, or cast-iron skillet, heat the 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add ½ cup chopped red pepper and one chopped onion; sauté until onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add 8 skinless chicken drumsticks, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 chopped tomatoes, and season with ¼ teaspoon of each salt and pepper. Cook until lightly browned, often stirring, about 4 minutes.
- Bring the stew to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with avocado slices over rice.
Video
Notes
- This Colombian Chicken Stew will be perfectly cooked and delicious after 30 minutes. Still, you can cook it for up to 90 minutes - a longer cooking time will result in a more concentrated and developed flavor.
- You can replace the chicken broth (stock) with water and chicken bouillon.
- Use boneless, skinless thighs instead of drumsticks. If you prefer, keep the skin on. You can also use chicken breast, but dark meat is more flavorful.
- Add more stock or water if it gets too dry. Alternatively, cook uncovered for 10-15 min longer if it's too watery.
- You can also cook this chicken stew in a slow cooker: add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook for 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low.
- Want to make it in your IP? Check out the instructions in the post above.
- You could also transfer your dish to the oven and cook at 375 F for 30-45 minutes. Make sure to use a Dutch oven, cast-iron, or another oven-proof dish.
- This stew is suitable for freezing.
- Nutrition information is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
Nani says
I only wish I had a bigger pot to double or even triple the recipe. I had chicken thighs, so I was only able to fit in 4 pieces. We had it over rice and it was so warm, flavorful and comforting. I can't wait to make this again when it's actually colder out. Simple ingredients and doesn't take a lot of time to make or clean up.
Jas says
I love that you've enjoyed it so much! Thank you for coming back to leave your feedback, Nani.
Rachel says
Should I use fresh or dried thyme? Thank you.
Jas says
The recipe doesn't call for thyme, but you're welcome to use either.
Aida says
Izgleda pre-pre-preukusno! Kao neka kolumbijska verzija paprikaลกa, a posebno volim Goya zaฤine. Slike, kao i uvijek, su predivne. Hvala na instrukcijama za InstantPot. Vjerujeลก li da mi stoji u kuhinji veฤ 6 mjeseci i nikako da ga upalim, sve se bojim neลกto ฤu zeznuti.?
Jas says
Hvala, draga moja Aida! Bas je slicno paprikasu sa ukusom juzne Amerike. ๐ Ja svoj IP makela iz kuhinje da mi ne zauzima prostor i zaboravila na njega. Ali eto danas sam bas iskuhala u njemu govedju supu i onda grah, obadvoje bilo gotovo za sat i po. Ali mu se i ja priblizavam sa macem i stitom, haha. Stvarno vrijedi za jela koja se dugo kuhaju. Moderni pretis lonac, pa eto. Ja ga ne koristim da skuham rizu ili jaja npr., jer mu treba 15 min. samo da se zagrije, a dotle i riza i jaja gotovi na sporetu.
Danielle McManus says
This was the first Colombian dish Iโve ever made and holy guacamole, it might be the best thing Iโve ever had. Absolutely amazing flavor. Thank you for this recipe, i am in love!
Jas says
Awe, I'm so happy to read that, Danielle! We absolutely love it too. ๐ Thanks for stopping in and for your kind feedback! ๐
Alisa Infanti says
This looks great and I love that it is dairy free but wondered if you can tell me if I can't find Sazon Goya what can I replace it with?
Jas says
Hi, Alisa! Most groceries will have the seasoning in the isle with tortillas and other Mexican/Latin ingredients, but if you can't find it and don't want to order it from Amazon, just use the seasoning listed above in the post under What is Sazon Goya con Azafran? Thanks for stopping in! ๐
Pam says
Thanks for this recipe! I am always looking for new ideas for ways to cook chicken. This is bound to be full of flavor!
Jas says
Thank you, Pam! It truly is packed with flavor. ๐
Mahy says
I haven't had many Colombian recipes recently, so this is quite exciting. The stew looks absolutely amazing!
Jas says
Thanks, Mahy! I hope this will be your first homemade Colombian dish. ๐
Cathy says
Been looking for a sudado recipe! This looks delicious and so comforting! Making it this week!
Jas says
Yay, enjoy it! Thank you for visiting, Cathy!
Bridget says
Hi Jas,
Ive made this recipe in a week! It is very easy and not time consuming.
My husband is Colombian and was so very pleasantly surprised when he came home to this delicious dish for dinner.
Thank you!
Jas says
Hi Bridget, I'm so happy you and your husband enjoyed it! Thanks for giving it a try and for stopping in. It made my day! ๐