A traditional Dominican favorite — Pollo Guisado is the everyday stewed chicken that fills the protein spot on La Bandera, the national lunch plate. The chicken is marinated in sour orange or vinegar, then browned and simmered in a savory sofrito sauce until the meat is spoon-tender and the sauce is thick and glossy. Every Dominican cook has a version, and arguments over whose mother makes it best are a national pastime.
Pollo Guisado Dominicano
A traditional Dominican favorite — Pollo Guisado is the everyday stewed chicken that fills the protein spot on La Bandera, the national lunch plate.

Step by stepInstructions
- Rub the chicken pieces with the sour orange juice and adobo, cover, and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator.
- Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown the chicken in batches, about 5 minutes per side, until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the sofrito to the pot and cook until fragrant and darkened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, sazón, oregano and bay leaves and cook 2 minutes more.
- Return the chicken to the pot, pour in the water or broth, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Add the olives, if using, and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes more, turning the chicken once, until the meat is very tender and the sauce has reduced to a thick, rich gravy.
- Taste and adjust the salt and pepper, and serve with white rice, beans and a simple salad, as the bandera demands.
💡 Chef tips & storage
The sauce should cling to the chicken, not swim around it — uncover the pot toward the end to let it reduce. For extra depth, add a spoonful of the sauce from stewed beans to the pan while it simmers.

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