Description
This hearty chicken and vegetable cazuela is a comforting Latin American stew packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and warm spices.
Slow-simmered in a rich, flavorful broth with a hint of coconut milk, it’s a wholesome and satisfying dish perfect for any season. Serve it with fresh cilantro and lime for a burst of freshness!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900g) bone-in chicken thighs (or use boneless for quicker cooking)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 large potato, diced
- 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground turmeric (optional, for color)
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup coconut milk (substituting for creaminess instead of dairy)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and black pepper. Sear on both sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes, stirring for another 3 minutes.
- Add Spices & Liquids: Stir in paprika, cumin, oregano, turmeric, and bay leaf. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Simmer the Cazuela: Return the chicken to the pot. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 35–40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Finish with Coconut Milk & Corn: Add corn and butternut squash, cooking for another 10 minutes until tender. Stir in coconut milk for a rich, creamy texture.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf and discard. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Latin American
Keywords: Cazuela Recipes