Pollo Encebollado Chicken in Onion Sauce

Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Pollo Encebollado, a traditional Latin American dish featuring tender, bone-in chicken thighs simmered in a luscious onion sauce. This one-pan wonder combines golden-seared chicken with caramelized white onions, garlic, and a medley of aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and paprika. The tangy kick of white vinegar and the depth of chicken broth create a perfectly balanced sauce that’s ideal for soaking into fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or warm tortillas. Ready in under an hour with just 15 minutes of prep, this comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Don’t forget the optional garnish of fresh cilantro for a fragrant, herby finish that ties all the flavors together!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless)
• 3 large white onions
• 4 cloves garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Peel and thinly slice the onions into half-moon shapes. Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Heat a large skillet or deep saucepan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.

Step 4

Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 5

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 6

Cook the onions for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and lightly caramelized.

Step 7

Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 8

Stir in the cumin and oregano, then pour in the chicken broth and white vinegar. Mix well.

Step 9

Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the onion mixture.

Step 10

Cover the pan, lower the heat, and let the chicken simmer for 25 minutes. Occasionally spoon the onion sauce over the chicken to keep it moist.

Step 11

Uncover the pan and simmer for another 5 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce, if desired.

Step 12

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 13

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving, if desired.

Step 14

Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or warm tortillas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1173.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1328.6

Total Fat 73.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 376mg	0%
Sodium 3260.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 50.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.6g	0%
Total Sugars 19.9g
Protein 114.0g	0%

Vitamin D 20IU	0%
Calcium 233.4mg	0%
Iron 8.2mg	0%
Potassium 2011.6mg	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: 50.1%

Protein: 34.6%

Carbs: 15.3%