A traditional Puerto Rican dish — Asopao de Pollo is the island’s beloved chicken stew-soup, thickened with rice until it is neither soup nor rice but something glorious in between. Sofrito, annatto, olives and a splash of beer build a broth so fragrant it is said to cure any ailment. Puerto Ricans call it the island’s penicillin.
Asopao de Pollo
A traditional Puerto Rican dish — Asopao de Pollo is the island’s beloved chicken stew-soup, thickened with rice until it is neither soup nor rice but something glorious in between.

Step by stepInstructions
- Season the chicken with adobo and oregano. In a large pot, heat the annatto oil and brown the chicken in batches, 4 to 5 minutes per side; set aside.
- In the same pot, cook the sofrito and tomato sauce 3 minutes until fragrant. Add the rice and stir to coat.
- Pour in the broth and beer, return the chicken to the pot, and add the olives. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the soup has thickened.
- Stir in the peas and pimientos and cook 5 minutes more, adding broth or water if it gets too thick.
- Season to taste, shower with cilantro, and serve in deep bowls with lemon wedges.
💡 Chef tips & storage
Stir occasionally so the rice does not stick, but leave it a little soupy, as asopao thickens as it rests. Squeeze the lemon over each bowl at the table.

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