How to Make Pollo Encebollado (Chicken Smothered in Onion Gravy)

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This Pollo Encebollado recipe is so comforting, it’s so delicious and it’s surprisingly so easy to make!


Pollo Encebollado translates to Chicken Smothered with Onions and there are so many wonderful cultures that have different versions of this dish. Today I’m showing you how to make my version of Pollo Encebollado Estilo Salvadoreño.

Sliced white onion for the pollo encebollado

I’m half Salvadoran (from my mama’s side) and this dish is something that isn’t uncommon to see on menu’s in El Salvador. Many traditional recipes will include mustard, worcestershire sauce and a touch of cream, all of which you’ll find this recipe so get ready to have a plate of authentic Salvadoran food that is insanely comforting.

Pair this with a side of rice and tortillas with a few slices of queso fresco (or cuajada, a Salvadoran soft cheese, if you can find it), or laddle this over a heaping mound of mashed potatoes for a dish that’s a little less traditional but equally as comforting.

The finished and plated pollo encebollado estilo salvadoreño

How to Make Pollo Encebollado:

  1. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large sauté pan over medium flame.
  2. Working in batches (the thighs and legs in their own batch), brown the chicken in the butter about 5 minutes on each side, salting them as you go. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining butter and the onions to the same pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the stock and carefully deglaze the bottom of the pan. Then add the rest of the ingredients, mix well (until evenly combined) and bring to a boil. 
  5. Nestle the chicken back into the pan, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Remove the top and cook for an additional 5 minutes uncovered on medium heat. 
  7. Check for seasoning, then plate alongside rice or mashed potatoes.
The finished and plated pollo encebollado estilo salvadoreño

Other Latin American-inspired dishes you’ll love—

Salsa Verde

Huevos Ahogados en Salsa Verde

Pico de Gallo con Nopales (Cactus Pico de Gallo)

Chicken Birria

Chile de Árbol Salsa Taquera

Cebolla Curtida (Pickled Red Onions)

 

Cutting into the plated pollo encebollado estilo salvadoreño

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If you make this Pollo Encebollado Estilo Salvadoreño, tag me on Instagram! Seeing you whip up my recipes makes me the happiest little bee!


 

How to Make Pollo Encebollado (Chicken Smothered in Onion Gravy)

Recipe by Stephanie AlvaradoCourse: The Latest
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

537.14

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

4

minutes

Pollo Encebollado
Author: Stephanie Alvarado

Ingredients

  • ¼ c unsalted butter

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  • 4 chicken drumsticks

  • 4 medium yellow onions, cut into thick slices

  • 1 c chicken or vegetable stock

  • 4 garlic cloves microplaned or finely minced

  • 1 tsp of poultry seasoning

  • ½ tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 2 bay leaves

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp pepper

  • 1 tbsp worcestershire

  • 2 tsp yellow mustard

  • ¼ c sour cream

Directions

  • Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large sauté pan over medium flame.
  • Working in batches (the thighs and legs in their own batch), brown the chicken in the butter about 5 minutes on each side, salting them as you go. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • Add the remaining butter and the onions to the same pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the stock and carefully deglaze the bottom of the pan. Then add the rest of the ingredients, mix well (until evenly combined) and bring to a boil. 
  • Nestle the chicken back into the pan, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove the top and cook for an additional 5 minutes uncovered on medium heat. 
  • Check for seasoning, then plate alongside rice or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Please note that the above nutritional information does not include any ingredients listed as optional.

Nutrition Facts

4 servings per container


  • Amount Per ServingCalories537.14
  • % Daily Value *
  • Total Fat 31.33g 49%
    • Saturated Fat 13.51g 68%
  • Cholesterol 290.51mg 97%
  • Sodium 823.7mg 35%
  • Total Carbohydrate 13.56g 5%
    • Dietary Fiber 1.81g 8%
    • Sugars 5.73g
  • Protein 51.29g 103%

    * 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.

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