Peruvian Chicken Stew for Kids (Pollo a la Brasa)

Introducing a dish full of warmth and flavor from Peru—Pollo a la Brasa. This beloved Peruvian chicken stew is not only packed with delicious spices but also designed to be family-friendly, perfect for introducing kids to international flavors. With tender pieces of chicken simmered in a rich sauce, it’s an easy way to make mealtime exciting.
“In every bite of Pollo a la Brasa, there’s a story of tradition and flavor that brings families together.”
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon aji panca paste or mild red chili paste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Cooked rice and boiled potatoes, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), aji panca paste or mild red chili paste, paprika, cumin, and lime juice. Bring to a simmer.
Add Chicken Back In: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot over a bed of rice or alongside boiled potatoes.
This Peruvian Chicken Stew is not only easy to make but also packed with flavors that will have kids asking for seconds! It’s a fantastic way to explore new tastes while keeping mealtime fun and engaging. Pair it with some colorful veggies on the side, and you’ve got a complete family-friendly feast. Enjoy this culinary adventure from Peru right in your own kitchen!