Pollo Mechado (Shredded Chicken)

Pollo Mechado (Shredded Chicken)
  • PREP TIME
    10 mins
  • COOK TIME
    55 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    1 hrs 5 mins
  • SERVING
    4 People
  • VIEWS
    51

Experience the vibrant flavors of Venezuela with this comforting and versatile Pollo Mechado. Tender shredded chicken is simmered in a rich, savory sauce with sweet peppers, aromatic garlic, and a touch of sherry. Perfect served with arepas, over rice, or as a filling for empanadas.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    9 g
  • Cholesterol
    82 mg
  • Fiber
    2 g
  • Protein
    34 g
  • Saturated Fat
    1 g
  • Sodium
    290 mg
  • Sugar
    3 g
  • Fat
    5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step
25 mins

Gently poach the chicken: In a pot, bring water to a gentle boil. Add chicken breasts and cook until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes. Remove chicken and let cool slightly.

02

Step
14 mins

Build the flavor base: While the chicken is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes, until translucent. Add the chopped red bell pepper and cook for another 10 minutes, until softened.

03

Step
10 mins

Add aromatics: Add the chopped garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Cover the skillet and continue cooking the onion mixture for another 5-10 minutes, until it starts to caramelize and develop a deeper flavor.

04

Step
25 mins

Combine and simmer: Shred the cooled chicken with your hands and add it to the skillet with the onion mixture. Pour in the cooking sherry and add the capers. Season generously with salt. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

05

Step
15 mins

Finish and serve: Stir in the chopped cilantro and tomatoes. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to break down and create a luscious sauce. Serve hot with arepas, rice, or your favorite accompaniment.

For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
If you don't have cooking sherry, dry white wine or chicken broth can be used as a substitute.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the garlic.

Clinton Reinger

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.7/ 5 ( 17 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
  • Mohammed Hudson

    I substituted chicken thighs and it was so tender.

  • Ray Hoppe

    The cooking sherry really makes a difference in the flavor.

  • Alva Oconnell

    My family loved this Pollo Mechado. It's become a new favorite.

  • Anabelle Wiegand

    Easy to follow instructions and the result was fantastic!

  • Ruben Wisoky

    Served it with arepas and it was a hit!

  • Alaina Nader

    This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal.

  • Nikita Toy

    This recipe is amazing! The flavors are so complex and delicious.

  • Carlie Osinski

    I added a little bit of hot sauce and it was perfect!

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