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Guatemalan Pepian De Pollo Recipe

Discover how to make Pepián de Pollo, Guatemala’s iconic chicken stew packed with smoky, nutty flavors! Roasted tomatoes, chilies, and seeds create a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly complements tender, simmered chicken. Serve it with warm corn tortillas and fluffy rice for a comforting meal that brings Guatemalan tradition to your table.
Servings 4
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Equipment

  • Cooking pot
  • Mixer or blender
  • Spoons and spatula

Ingredients

  • 4 No Skinless Chicken Breast cut into chunks
  • 40 grams Onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes chopped
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 1 medium carrot chopped
  • 1 small potato diced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon corn tortillas toasted and crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, carrot, and potato. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • In a separate dry skillet, toast the sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine the toasted sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, toasted corn tortillas, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and a little chicken broth. Blend until smooth to make a paste.
  • Add the paste to the pot with the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
  • Pour in the remaining chicken broth to the pot, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Bring to a simmer.
  • Cover the pot and let the stew simmer over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve the pepián de pollo hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.
Author: The Gourmet Palette
Calories: 450kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: authentic Pepián, chicken stew with chilies, corn tortillas pairing, easy Pepián recipe, Guatemalan chicken stew, Guatemalan comfort food, Guatemalan cuisine, how to make Pepián, Pepián de Pollo, Pepián variations, Pepián with rice, roasted seed sauce, smoky chicken dish, traditional Guatemalan recipe

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal