Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico with this mouthwatering Pollo en Escabeche! This isn't just another chicken recipe – it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a tangy, flavor-packed masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine tender, crispy chicken bathed in a zesty vinegar sauce that brings together the bold and bright flavors of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine in every single bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and oregano on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly soft and fragrant.
- Pour in the vinegar and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate those flavors into the sauce.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, reducing heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the pickled flavors.
- Check that chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Plate the chicken and spoon the pickled vegetables and sauce over the top. Serve hot with rice or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in maximum flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
- For an extra flavor boost, let the chicken marinate in the pickled sauce for an hour before serving to intensify the tangy profile.
- Choose high-quality olive oil and vinegar – these are key ingredients that make this dish truly spectacular.
- Don't rush the cooking process. Allowing the chicken to simmer slowly helps it absorb all the delicious pickled vegetable flavors.
- Serve with white rice or tostones (fried plantains) to complement the dish's vibrant taste profile.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 328kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 7g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
