Flavorful Sofrito Chicken: A Step-by-Step Recipe for a Latin American Classic

Sofrito chicken is a staple dish in many Latin American households, known for its rich, savory flavors and tender, juicy chicken. The magic lies in the sofrito, a vibrant base of aromatics that infuses the chicken with a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. This recipe will guide you through each step, from preparing the perfect sofrito to achieving that golden-brown, melt-in-your-mouth chicken. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Caribbean and beyond!

What is Sofrito?

Sofrito is more than just a mix of vegetables; it’s the heart and soul of Latin American cooking. It’s a slowly simmered base of aromatics, typically consisting of onions, peppers, garlic, cilantro (or recao/culantro), and sometimes tomatoes. Each ingredient contributes its unique flavor, creating a symphony of tastes that form the foundation for countless dishes. The specific ingredients and proportions can vary depending on the region and personal preference, but the essential concept remains the same: a flavor-packed base that elevates any dish.

Why This Sofrito Chicken Recipe Works

This recipe is designed to be accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. It provides clear, step-by-step instructions, along with helpful tips and variations to ensure success. Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:

* **Authentic Flavor:** The recipe utilizes traditional sofrito ingredients and techniques to achieve an authentic Latin American flavor profile.
* **Tender and Juicy Chicken:** The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture and then slowly braised in the sofrito, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat.
* **Versatile Dish:** Sofrito chicken can be served in a variety of ways, making it a versatile option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking. Add more spice, use different types of peppers, or experiment with other herbs and spices.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious Sofrito Chicken recipe:

* **For the Sofrito:**
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped (or 1/2 bunch recao/culantro, if available)
* 2-3 ají dulce peppers (optional, for authentic flavor)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* **For the Chicken:**
* 2-3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 packet Sazon with achiote (for color and flavor)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, for deglazing the pan)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 bay leaf
* Olives and capers (optional, for garnish)
* Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Chef’s knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Mixing bowl

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a mouthwatering Sofrito Chicken:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. **Pat the Chicken Dry:** Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken pieces. This will help them brown properly.
2. **Season the Chicken:** In a mixing bowl, combine the Sazon with achiote, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken pieces. Ensure the seasoning penetrates all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer (up to overnight) in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the meat.

**Step 2: Make the Sofrito**

1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers (green and red). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the vegetables; you want them to soften and release their flavors.
2. **Add Garlic and Other Spices:** Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, and smoked paprika (if using) to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. **Stir in the Cilantro/Recao and Ají Dulce:** Add the chopped cilantro (or recao/culantro) and ají dulce peppers (if using) to the skillet. Cook, stirring, for another 1-2 minutes, until the herbs are slightly wilted and fragrant. This is where the sofrito starts to come together, creating a complex and aromatic base.
4. **Season the Sofrito:** Season the sofrito with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that you can always add more seasoning later, but it’s difficult to remove salt once it’s added. Taste the sofrito and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is a crucial step in ensuring that the dish has the right balance of flavors.

**Step 3: Brown the Chicken**

1. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Searing the chicken creates a beautiful color and locks in the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
2. **Remove the Chicken:** Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 4: Combine and Simmer**

1. **Deglaze the Pan (Optional):** If using, pour the dry white wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add extra flavor and depth to the sauce. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly.
2. **Add Tomatoes and Broth:** Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. **Return the Chicken:** Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sofrito and tomato mixture. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce. Add the bay leaf.
4. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Check the chicken periodically and add more chicken broth if needed to prevent the sauce from drying out.

**Step 5: Finish and Serve**

1. **Check for Doneness:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Before serving, garnish the sofrito chicken with olives, capers, and fresh chopped cilantro, if desired. These additions add a burst of flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
3. **Serve:** Serve the sofrito chicken hot, over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite Latin American side dishes. The flavorful sauce is perfect for spooning over the sides.

## Tips for the Best Sofrito Chicken

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** The quality of your sofrito depends on the freshness of your ingredients. Use the freshest onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs you can find.
* **Don’t Rush the Sofrito:** Allow the sofrito to simmer slowly and develop its flavors. Rushing the process will result in a less flavorful dish.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or longer) will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and result in a more flavorful and tender dish.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When browning the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. This will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the chicken from browning properly. Work in batches if necessary.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sofrito and sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that you can always add more seasoning, but it’s difficult to remove salt once it’s added.
* **Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken:** Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (such as thighs and drumsticks) are the best choice for this recipe. They are more flavorful and will stay more moist during cooking.
* **Simmer Low and Slow:** Simmering the chicken low and slow will result in a more tender and flavorful dish. Avoid boiling the chicken, as this will make it tough.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of ají dulce peppers (or add a pinch of cayenne pepper) to control the spice level of the dish.
* **Protein:** You can substitute chicken with other proteins, such as pork, beef, or shrimp.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the sofrito, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes.
* **Tomatoes:** Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as bay leaf, thyme, or rosemary.
* **Wine:** If you don’t have dry white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or apple cider vinegar.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or other beans for a vegetarian version.

## Serving Suggestions

Sofrito chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Over Rice:** Serve the sofrito chicken over white rice, brown rice, or arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas).
* **With Mashed Potatoes:** Serve the sofrito chicken with creamy mashed potatoes.
* **With Plantains:** Serve the sofrito chicken with fried plantains (platanos maduros or tostones).
* **With Salad:** Serve the sofrito chicken with a simple green salad.
* **In Tacos or Burritos:** Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.
* **With Bread:** Serve the sofrito chicken with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover sofrito chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the sofrito chicken in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a little chicken broth if needed to prevent the chicken from drying out.
* **Freezing:** Freeze leftover sofrito chicken in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

## Conclusion

Sofrito chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, savory flavors and tender, juicy chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe provides all the information you need to create a mouthwatering sofrito chicken at home. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Latin America!

Enjoy this amazing Sofrito Chicken recipe! Don’t forget to share your creations with us and let us know your favorite variations in the comments below!