Pollo En Crema Recipe – Guatemala's Creamy Delight

Name: Pollo En Crema
Prep time: 17 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Cuisine: Guatemala
Ingredients: bell pepper; black pepper; breasts boneless; cayenne pepper for heat; chicken broth; chicken thighs; cilantro for garnish; cloves garlic; cumin; dried oregano; heavy cream; onion; paprika; rice; salt; skinless cut into bite sized pieces; sour cream; tomatoes; tortillas for serving; vegetable oil

Pollo En Crema is a beloved Guatemalan dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It holds cultural significance as a comfort food often enjoyed during family gatherings and festive occasions. This dish is typically served with rice or tortillas, making it a hearty meal that showcases the flavors of Guatemala.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~450 kcal / serving

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large bell pepper, chopped
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked rice or tortillas, for serving

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Saut√© until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the chopped bell pepper and tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.

Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.

Add Cream and Chicken

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and sour cream. Cook gently until the sauce is creamy and well combined.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

Finish and Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pollo En Crema?

Pollo En Crema is a creamy chicken dish that features bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked in a rich sauce made of tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, combined with heavy cream and sour cream.

Where does Pollo En Crema come from?

Pollo En Crema originates from Guatemala, where it is a popular dish enjoyed in homes across the country.

What are the main ingredients in Pollo En Crema?

The key ingredients include chicken thighs or breasts, heavy cream, sour cream, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

How long does Pollo En Crema take to make?

Pollo En Crema takes about 40-50 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Pollo En Crema?

Pollo En Crema is best served with warm tortillas or fluffy rice, and can also be accompanied by a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables.

Pollo En Crema