Learn how to make Asopao de Pollo or Chicken Rice Gumbo , a delicious and hearty chicken and rice stew from , similar to gumbo but with its own unique flavors .

This comforting dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or for impressing guests with your culinary skills. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe for a taste of the Caribbean at home!

Here's a recipe for Asopao de Pollo, a hearty chicken and rice stew from Puerto Rico:

Ingredients:

  - 2 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on, such as thighs and drumsticks)

  - 2 tablespoons olive oil

  - 1 onion, finely chopped

  - 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

  - 2 garlic cloves, minced

  - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

  - 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

  - 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  - 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  - 1 bay leaf

  - Salt and pepper, to taste

  - 1 cup white rice

  - 4 cups chicken broth

  - 1 cup frozen peas

  - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

  - Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

2- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3- In the same pot, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

4- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, paprika, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.

5- Return the chicken to the pot and add the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.

6- Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes.

7- Remove the bay leaf and discard. Stir in the chopped cilantro.

8- Serve hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the stew.

Enjoy your delicious Asopao de Pollo!

Nutritional Values :

Here's a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values for all the ingredients used in the Asopao de Pollo recipe:

2 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on):

  - Calories: 1080

  - Total Fat: 60g

  - Saturated Fat: 16g

  - Trans Fat: 0g

  - Cholesterol: 460mg

  - Sodium: 360mg

  - Protein: 120g

benefits:

  - Protein: Essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body maintenance.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in B vitamins (like B6 and B12) which are important for energy production and brain health. Also contains essential minerals such as iron and zinc.

2 tablespoons olive oil:

  - Calories: 240

  - Total Fat: 28g

  - Saturated Fat: 4g

  - Trans Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

  - Healthy Fats: Contains monounsaturated fats that are good for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.

  - Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, which help protect cells from damage.

1 onion:

  - Calories: 45

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 5mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 11g

  - Dietary Fiber: 2g

  - Sugars: 6g

  - Protein: 1g

benefits:

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps in collagen production.

  - Fiber: Aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.

  - Antioxidants: Contain antioxidants that help protect against inflammation and chronic diseases.

1 bell pepper:

  - Calories: 30

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 5mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 7g

  - Dietary Fiber: 2g

  - Sugars: 4g

  - Protein: 1g

  - 2 garlic cloves:

  - Calories: 10

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Dietary Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

benefits:

  - Allicin: Has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

  - Heart Health: Can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes:

  - Calories: 90

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 350mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 20g

  - Dietary Fiber: 4g

  - Sugars: 12g

  - Protein: 4g

benefits:

  - Lycopene: An antioxidant that reduces the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

  - Vitamins: High in vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function and skin health.

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce:

  - Calories: 100

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1200mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 24g

  - Dietary Fiber: 4g

  - Sugars: 16g

  - Protein: 4g

benefits:

  - Lycopene: An antioxidant that reduces the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

  - Vitamins: High in vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function and skin health.

2 teaspoons ground cumin:

  - Calories: 16

  - Total Fat: 1g

  - Saturated Fat: 0g

  - Trans Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 8mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Dietary Fiber: 1g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 1g

benefits:

  - Anti-inflammatory Properties: These spices contain compounds that help reduce inflammation.

  - Flavor without Calories: Add depth and richness to dishes without adding extra calories.

1 teaspoon dried oregano:

  - Calories: 5

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Dietary Fiber: 1g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

benefits:

  - Anti-inflammatory Properties: These spices contain compounds that help reduce inflammation.

  - Flavor without Calories: Add depth and richness to dishes without adding extra calories.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika:

  - Calories: 6

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Dietary Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

benefits:

Anti-inflammatory Properties: These spices contain compounds that help reduce inflammation.

Flavor without Calories: Add depth and richness to dishes without adding extra calories.

1 bay leaf:

  - Calories: 1

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Dietary Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

benefits:

  - Digestive Health: Can help improve digestion and reduce bloating.

  - Aromatics: Adds a subtle flavor to dishes, enhancing the overall taste.

1 cup white rice:

  - Calories: 205

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 45g

  - Dietary Fiber: 1g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 4g

benefits:

  - Energy: A good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy.

  - B Vitamins: Contains B vitamins that are important for metabolism and energy production.

4 cups chicken broth:

  - Calories: 40

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1600mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 0g 

  - Dietary Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 8g

benefits:

  - Hydration: Provides fluids and electrolytes.

  - Minerals: Contains minerals like potassium and sodium that help maintain fluid balance and nerve function.

1 cup frozen peas:

  - Calories: 70

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 5mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 12g

  - Dietary Fiber: 4g

  - Sugars: 4g

  - Protein: 4g

benefits:

  - Fiber: Helps with digestion and maintaining a healthy weight.

  - Protein: Provides plant-based protein, which is good for muscle maintenance.

  - Vitamins: High in vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for vision, immune health, and blood clotting.

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro:

  - Calories: 1

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Dietary Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

benefits:

  - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.

  - Detoxifying Properties: Can help remove heavy metals from the body.

Lime wedges, for serving:

  - Calories: 4

  - Total Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Dietary Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

benefits:

  - Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and improves skin health.

  - Antioxidants: Helps fight free radicals in the body.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands of ingredients used and preparation methods.