Jocón de Pollo (Guatemalan Green Chicken Stew)

• Prep time: 20 mins

• Cook time: 40 mins

• Total time: 1 hour

• Servings: 4

• Country of Origin: Guatemala

Description

• Hailing from the western highlands (Huehuetenango), Jocón is a vibrant green stew flavored with miltomates, green bell peppers, cilantro, and green onions.

• Thickened traditionally with corn tortillas or soaked French bread.

Presentation

• Served in deep bowls garnished with chopped cilantro and spring onion tops.

• Paired with warm corn tortillas and steamed white rice.

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken thighs and drumsticks

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 8 green miltomates (tomatillos)

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves

• 1/2 cup green scallions, chopped

• 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2 corn tortillas (or 1 slice white bread), torn into pieces

• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitoria), toasted

• 1 tsp salt

Directions

• Place chicken pieces in a pot with chicken broth and salt; simmer for 20 minutes.

• Boil tomatillos, green bell pepper, scallions, jalapeños, and garlic in a small pot for 8 minutes until soft.

• Transfer boiled green vegetables, fresh cilantro, torn tortillas, and toasted pumpkin seeds into a blender.

• Blend on high speed until a completely smooth green sauce forms.

• Pour green sauce into the pot with the simmering chicken.

• Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is tender.

• Adjust seasoning with salt before serving.

Optional Variations

• Jocón de Cerdo: Replace chicken with cubed pork shoulder.

• Jocón Creamy: Stir in 2 tablespoons of thick cream (crema chapina) just before serving.

Cooking Tips

• Blending torn tortillas directly into the sauce gives Jocón its signature body without altering natural flavors.

• Do not overcook green sauce after adding to chicken to preserve its bright green color.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 410 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 16 g

• Protein: 36 g

• Fat: 22 g

• Saturated Fat: 5 g

• Sodium: 610 mg

• Fiber: 3.5 g

• Sugar: 3 g