Guatemalan Chicken with Pineapple Pollo En Pina

Delight your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of Guatemalan Chicken with Pineapple, or Pollo en Piña, a traditional dish that beautifully balances sweet and savory elements. Tender, golden-seared chicken thighs are simmered in a luscious sauce infused with juicy pineapple chunks, rich tomato sauce, and a hint of brown sugar for irresistible caramelized notes. The addition of bell peppers, onions, and garlic layers the dish with aromatic depth, while soy sauce and fresh cilantro tie the flavors together with a savory, herbaceous finish. Perfectly suited for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this one-pot wonder is both comforting and exotic. Serve it with fluffy rice and a squeeze of tangy lime for a meal that’s as vibrant as the Guatemalan culture itself. Ready in just an hour and sure to impress, Pollo en Piña is your ticket to a tropical flavor adventure!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 pieces lime wedges, for serving
• 4 cups rice, cooked (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the pineapple chunks, tomato sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Mix well.

Step 7

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the chicken simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Uncover and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.

Step 10

Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top before serving.

Step 11

Serve hot with lime wedges on the side and optional cooked rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3040.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3682.3

Total Fat 133.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 846mg	0%
Sodium 5147.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 340.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.2g	0%
Total Sugars 82.0g
Protein 270.2g	0%

Vitamin D 63IU	0%
Calcium 376.5mg	0%
Iron 14.8mg	0%
Potassium 3913.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.9%

Protein: 29.7%

Carbs: 37.4%