Pollo en Jocon - Tomatillo Chicken Guatemala

Servings: 4

Author: Chef Connie

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Pollo en Jocón Recipe (Tomatillo Chicken Stew) - Guatemala

Pollo en Jocón is a vibrant Guatemalan dish featuring tender chicken in a savory green sauce made with tomatillos, cilantro, and spices. Using chicken breast makes this version leaner and faster to prepare while preserving the authentic flavor.

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 40 MinTotal time: 1 Hour

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 cups chicken broth or water

For the Green Sauce:

• 6 medium tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 jalapeño peppers (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 medium green bell pepper, roughly chopped
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 2 green onions, roughly chopped
• 2 small corn tortillas (torn into small pieces) or 1 cup corn masa
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
4. Add the chicken broth or water to the pan. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the broth, shred or slice as desired, and set aside. Reserve the broth for the sauce.
5. In a pot of boiling water, cook the tomatillos, onion, garlic, jalapeños, and green bell pepper for 8–10 minutes, or until soft. Drain and set aside.
6. In a blender, combine the cooked vegetables, cilantro, parsley, green onions, and torn tortillas or masa. Add 1 cup of the reserved chicken broth and blend until smooth.
7. Season the mixture with cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Pour the green sauce into the skillet or Dutch oven used for the chicken. Add 1–2 cups of reserved chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
9. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Add the cooked chicken back to the sauce and simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @internationaldatenight on instagram and hashtag it ##internationaldatenight

Pollo en Jocón is a traditional Guatemalan dish that features chicken cooked in a vibrant green sauce made primarily from tomatillos, cilantro, and green onions. The cooking process typically involves simmering the chicken until tender, after which it is smothered in the rich, herbaceous sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This dish is often served with rice and tortillas, providing a hearty and satisfying meal that reflects the country's culinary heritage. The combination of bright flavors and the juicy chicken makes Pollo en Jocón a comforting and beloved staple in Guatemalan households.

---