Hey, Welcome to the Pollo Ranchero Recipe. Pollo Ranchero is a savory Mexican-style chicken dish simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with peppers, onions, and spices.
If you’ve ever enjoyed this in a traditional Mexican restaurant or during a comforting homemade dinner, you already know how hearty and flavorful it is.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this delicious recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mexican
Category: Main Course
History and Origin
Pollo Ranchero comes from the traditional “ranch-style” cooking of rural Mexico.
Ranchers’ families made this dish using fresh farm ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, and chili peppers, creating a comforting, flavorful one-pot meal.
What does Pollo Ranchero taste like?
Pollo Ranchero tastes savory, smoky, and slightly spicy with a rich tomato-chili sauce.
The chicken absorbs the flavors beautifully, making it tender, juicy, and bursting with authentic Mexican homestyle warmth.
By the way, you can also try the Ponderosa Chicken Wings Recipe.
Pollo Ranchero Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Pollo Ranchero Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (bone-in, skinless) | 6 pieces |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 large |
| Bell peppers (mixed colors, sliced) | 2 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Tomatoes (diced) | 4 medium |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Jalapeño (sliced) | 1 medium |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Homemade Pollo Ranchero Recipe:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Pollo Ranchero Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the vegetables
Add the bell peppers, onions, garlic, and jalapeño to the same skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the sauce base
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
Step 4: Combine chicken and sauce
Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy hot with rice, beans, or tortillas.
Recipe Card
Pollo Ranchero Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add the bell peppers, onions, garlic, and jalapeño to the same skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy hot with rice, beans, or tortillas.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Pollo Ranchero Chicken Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pollo Ranchero Recipe with warm tortillas, fluffy Mexican rice, or creamy refried beans for a full meal.
Add fresh avocado slices, lime wedges, and a crisp salad on the side for a refreshing, colorful, and balanced dining experience.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Pollo Ranchero in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to maintain tenderness and flavor.
Conclusion
Pollo Ranchero is the perfect recipe when you want something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s simple to make, packed with authentic Mexican flavors, and always a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cut of chicken works best for Pollo Ranchero?
Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work best, but you can also use boneless chicken breasts.
Can I make Pollo Ranchero less spicy?
Yes, just skip the jalapeño or use mild peppers.
What sides go well with Pollo Ranchero?
It pairs great with rice, beans, tortillas, or a simple green salad.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day before. It tastes even better reheated.
Can I freeze Pollo Ranchero?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
You will also like the Maggiano’s Butter Cake Recipe.
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