Best Easy Estofado Oaxaqueño Recipe

A rich Oaxacan stew of chicken or pork with olives, capers, and dried fruits in a complex sauce. This protein-packed, family dish blends sweet and savory for an unforgettable flavor.

Cook 105 min Difficulty NORMAL 413 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bone-in chicken thighs 2 lbs
  • yellow onion 1 large
  • ripe plantain 1 medium
  • russet potatoes 2 medium
  • pitted prunes 0.5 cup
  • dried apricots 0.5 cup
  • pimento-stuffed green olives 0.5 cup
  • whole almonds 0.25 cup
  • tomato 3 medium
  • chicken broth 4 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • capers 2 tbsp
  • cinnamon stick 1 piece
  • whole cloves 4 pieces
  • black peppercorns 8 pieces
  • bay leaf 2 pieces
  • salt 1.5 tsp
  • olive oil 3 tbsp
  • brown sugar 1 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 30 g 29%
Protein 32 g 31%
Fat 18 g 40%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Season the chicken thighs generously with salt on both sides. In a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and brown the chicken on all sides for about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

  2. 2

    In the same pot, lower the heat to medium and sauté the chopped onion and sliced plantain until both are caramelized and golden, about 6 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add tomato wedges and continue to cook, stirring often, until tomatoes soften and release their juices, around 7 minutes.

  4. 4

    Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot. Add chicken broth, the cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 35 minutes over low heat.

  5. 5

    Stir in the potato chunks, prunes, apricots, almonds, olives, capers, and brown sugar. Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes more, gently stirring occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked, potatoes are tender, and sauce has thickened.

  6. 6

    Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Rest 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Estofado Oaxaqueño recipe?
The key ingredient is bone-in chicken thighs, which create the hearty base and authentic flavor of Estofado Oaxaqueño. Their richness and ability to absorb the complex sauce flavors are essential to the dish's identity.
Q. How can I avoid overcooking the chicken or potatoes in this stew?
To avoid overcooking, simmer the chicken gently after browning and only add potatoes later in the process. Monitor the potatoes during the last simmer phase, and stop cooking once they become fork-tender. Resting the stew allows flavors to develop and helps preserve texture.
Q. Which components contribute the sweet and savory flavor balance?
The prunes, dried apricots, and plantain deliver sweetness, while capers, green olives, and almonds add savory, salty, and nutty notes. The blend of these core ingredients defines the stew's unique Oaxacan flavor balance.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving contains about 413 kcal, with 32g protein and 30g carbohydrates. The protein-to-carb ratio is nearly 1:1, making this a protein-packed dish suitable for those seeking balanced nutrition.
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