Colombian Chicken Sudado Stew

Category: Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for Gatherings Big and Small

Experience the heart of Colombian comfort cuisine with this easy one-pot sudado featuring chicken drumsticks, baby potatoes, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Everything is slowly simmered in seasoned broth, infusing the chicken and vegetables with deep, savory notes. Sazon, cumin, and fresh cilantro bring an authentic taste, while the use of common kitchen tools keeps prep simple. Serve the stew with rice, and add avocado slices for a refreshing twist. Whether enjoying as a cozy family meal or preparing extra for freezing, this dish delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures every time.

Updated on Mon, 09 Jun 2025 01:08:41 GMT
A bowl of chicken stew with vegetables. Pin
A bowl of chicken stew with vegetables. | lottirecipes.com

This comforting Colombian Chicken Stew fills the kitchen with the scent of tomatoes, cumin, and fresh cilantro. Chicken drumsticks, red bell pepper, onion, potatoes, and juicy tomatoes bubble together in a rich broth until tender, making a hearty dish that is perfect for any night you want a taste of home cooking without fuss.

The first time I made this for my family was on a rainy evening after a long workday and the whole house felt warmer as it simmered away on the stove. It quickly became the most requested comfort meal in our kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Chicken drumsticks or thighs: for rich flavor and affordable protein Pick skinless or bone-in pieces for extra juiciness
  • Red bell pepper: for subtle sweetness and color Choose peppers that feel firm and bright red
  • Small onion: for an aromatic base Look for onions with shiny skin and no soft spots
  • Fresh garlic: for earthy depth Use plump cloves without green shoots
  • Tomatoes: to create a tangy honest broth Ripe and firm tomatoes work best
  • Baby potatoes: for comforting bite and natural creaminess Go for potatoes that feel heavy and have smooth skin
  • Sazon Goya con azafran: for signature Latin flavor Look for this spice blend near the Latin foods aisle or add a pinch of turmeric and extra cumin as a sub
  • Cumin powder: for warmth and classic Colombian taste Choose fresh ground for boldest flavor
  • Chicken broth: to deepen the stew base Low sodium is best so you control the salt
  • Fresh cilantro: for herbal brightness Avoid wilted leaves and rinse well before chopping
  • Salt and pepper: for simple seasoning Use freshly ground pepper for a peppy kick
  • Avocado: for serving which adds creaminess and balances the warmth Pick ripe avocados that yield gently to pressure

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Pot:
Pour vegetable oil into your Dutch oven or large skillet and set over medium heat Let it warm for at least one minute so vegetables will sizzle immediately
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add chopped red bell pepper and onion Sauté for about three to four minutes until the onions turn translucent and soft This step helps build the rich aromatic base that defines the stew
Brown the Chicken:
Nestle the chicken drumsticks among the veggies Add minced garlic and chopped tomatoes along with salt and pepper Stir well Cook for about four minutes letting the chicken take on a light golden hue This gives depth to your final stew
Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth Add Sazon Goya and cumin Give it a thorough stir Add baby potatoes and most of the chopped cilantro Set aside some for garnishing later
Simmer:
Bring the whole mixture to a boil then quickly reduce the heat to medium low so it gently simmers Partially cover the pot so steam can escape but flavors concentrate Simmer for thirty minutes or until chicken and potatoes are fork tender Stir every now and then to prevent sticking
Garnish and Serve:
Taste for seasoning Add a little salt if needed Sprinkle extra cilantro over the top and serve the stew hot Add fresh avocado slices and a scoop of rice if you like for an authentic Colombian dinner
A bowl of chicken stew with peppers and onions. Pin
A bowl of chicken stew with peppers and onions. | lottirecipes.com

Fresh cilantro is my favorite ingredient in this stew because it brightens the flavors I always recall watching my grandmother toss big handfuls of cilantro into her own pot at the last minute She said it made every simple stew taste special

Storage tips

Let leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to containers This stew keeps well for up to four days in the fridge and reheats gently on the stovetop Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much For longer storage the stew freezes beautifully Freeze in single-serve portions for handy lunches or quick dinners

Ingredient substitutions

Thighs work in place of drumsticks and offer extra tenderness If you prefer white meat use chicken breast though it will be slightly less rich Swap in Yukon Gold or standard potatoes if baby potatoes are out Sazon Goya can be replaced with one teaspoon each turmeric and paprika plus a bit more cumin Vegetable broth works if you want a vegetarian base just increase the veggies

Serving suggestions

Traditionally this stew is ladled over fluffy white rice and topped with ripe avocado and extra cilantro My household likes to add a splash of hot sauce for some heat Some folks add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the broth Use crusty bread to mop up the flavorful sauce or pair with a simple green salad on the side

Cultural context

Sudado de Pollo is comfort food in many Colombian households where pots bubble on stovetops for hours as family stories are swapped Recipes vary regionally but always feature tender chicken simmered with tomatoes onion and potatoes The result is filling and fragrant and a symbol of hospitality Generations share versions of this humble stew celebrating togetherness

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, boneless thighs or chicken breasts work well, though drumsticks add rich flavor and tenderness.

→ Is there a substitute for sazon goya con azafran?

You can make a blend using ground coriander, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of saffron or turmeric for color.

→ Can the stew be frozen?

Absolutely! Allow the stew to cool, then store in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

→ What are traditional sides for this dish?

Steamed white rice and sliced avocado are classic, but you can also serve with warm arepas or fresh salad.

→ How do I prevent the stew from becoming too dry or watery?

Add extra broth or water if the liquid gets too low. For a thicker texture, remove the lid to reduce excess liquid.

Colombian Chicken Sudado Stew

Chicken, potatoes, and peppers simmer in a classic Colombian one-pot comfort dish, rich with tender, savory flavors.

Preparation Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins

Category: Family Meals

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: Colombian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
02 120 grams red bell pepper, chopped
03 1 small onion, chopped
04 8 skinless chicken drumsticks
05 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
07 0.25 teaspoon salt
08 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 450 grams baby potatoes, halved
10 480 milliliters chicken broth
11 1 tablespoon Sazon Goya con Azafran
12 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin
13 15 grams fresh cilantro, chopped

→ For Serving (Optional)

14 Fresh cilantro, for garnish
15 Avocado slices

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped red bell pepper and onion, then sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 02

Add the chicken drumsticks, minced garlic, and chopped tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is lightly browned, about 4 minutes.

Step 03

Add the baby potatoes, chicken broth, Sazon seasoning, ground cumin, and chopped cilantro. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Partially cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 04

Adjust seasoning if desired. Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with additional fresh cilantro, and serve with slices of avocado.

Additional Notes

  1. Stew develops enhanced flavor with longer simmering; it may be cooked up to 90 minutes for richer taste.
  2. Chicken broth can be substituted with water and chicken bouillon if desired.
  3. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts may be used instead of drumsticks, though dark meat provides superior flavor.
  4. Add more stock or water if the stew becomes too thick, or simmer uncovered if a thinner consistency is preferred.
  5. This dish is suitable for preparation in a slow cooker or oven; adjust cook times accordingly.
  6. Stew may be frozen for convenient future meals.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven or large lidded skillet
  • Kitchen knife
  • Cutting board

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 401
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 31 g