This Pochero Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish from the Philippines that brings together tender chicken, flavorful broth, and a medley of vibrant vegetables.

A while back, I visited my cousin’s house for a family get-together. There, I tried this amazing dish called Pochero Chicken for the first time. It smelled so good, and when I tasted it, I instantly fell in love with its yummy flavors. My cousin told me it’s a recipe that’s been in our family for ages, and she kindly agreed to share it with me.

Since then, I’ve been thinking about that delicious Pochero Chicken non-stop. I decided to make it at home, following my cousin’s simple instructions. It turned out just as tasty, and now I can’t get enough of it.

I’m really excited to pass on this yummy recipe to you. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories of good times with family. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

What is Pochero Chicken?

Pochero Chicken is a flavorful and hearty Filipino dish. It features chicken pieces cooked in a savory broth with a medley of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, plantain bananas (saba), and cabbage. The broth is typically enhanced with tomatoes, garlic, and sometimes tomato paste, creating a rich and comforting base.

Pochero Chicken is known for its aromatic and well-balanced flavors, making it a popular and satisfying dish enjoyed in Filipino households. It is often served with steamed rice and can be garnished with hard-boiled eggs and an additional sliced saba banana for extra texture and taste.

Pochero chicken Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into serving pieces
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 plantain banana (saba), sliced
• 1 small cabbage, quartered
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fish sauce (optional)
• Hard-boiled eggs (optional)
• Saba banana (optional)

How To Make Pochero Chicken:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. Add the tomatoes and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. Add the potatoes, carrots, and plantain banana. Simmer for another 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Add the cabbage and cook until wilted.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning with fish sauce if desired.
9. Serve hot with steamed rice. Garnish with hard-boiled eggs and sliced saba banana if desired. Enjoy your delicious Pochero Chicken!

Notes:

• You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as green beans, bell peppers, or even garbanzo beans for added texture and flavor.
• For a richer broth, you can use homemade chicken broth or add a chicken bouillon cube to the cooking liquid. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions for Pochero Chicken

Traditional Style: Serve Pochero Chicken in individual bowls with a generous serving of steamed white rice on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added freshness.

Family Feast: Arrange the Pochero Chicken, along with the vegetables, on a large serving platter. Place a bowl of steamed rice nearby and let everyone help themselves.

Soup and Sandwich Combo: Pair Pochero Chicken with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete meal.

Rice Bowl Variation: Create a Pochero Chicken rice bowl by layering steamed rice with chicken pieces, vegetables, and a ladle of savory broth. Top with a soft-boiled egg for extra protein and richness.

Taco Tuesday Twist: Use the tender Pochero Chicken as a filling for tacos or burritos. Serve with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream for a Tex-Mex-inspired meal.

Pochero Chicken Stew: Transform leftover Pochero Chicken into a hearty stew by adding cooked pasta or beans. Simmer until heated through and serve with crusty bread for dipping.

How To Store

To store Pochero Chicken, allow it to cool down to room temperature before transferring the leftover chicken and vegetables along with the broth into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to seal the container or bag tightly to prevent any leaks or spills. Place the container in the refrigerator and store it for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a pot or microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. Enjoy your delicious Pochero Chicken leftovers within the recommended storage time for the best taste and quality.

Conclusion

Pochero Chicken is a tasty and comforting dish from the Philippines. It’s made with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and a variety of vegetables. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or friends, it’s sure to bring everyone together.

This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. It’s a classic recipe that’s perfect for any occasion and always leaves you feeling satisfied and happy.

FAQ

What makes Pochero Chicken different from other chicken dishes?

• Pochero Chicken stands out for its unique combination of tender chicken pieces, savory broth, and a variety of vegetables. The distinctive flavors and comforting nature of this Filipino dish set it apart from other chicken recipes.

Can I customize the vegetables in Pochero Chicken?

• Absolutely! Pochero Chicken is versatile, allowing you to tailor the vegetable selection to your preferences. Common additions include potatoes, carrots, plantain bananas (saba), and cabbage, but feel free to get creative with your choices.

Is Pochero Chicken a spicy dish?

• No, Pochero Chicken is not traditionally a spicy dish. It is known for its well-balanced and savory flavors rather than intense spiciness. However, you can always adjust the level of heat by adding chili or hot sauce to suit your taste.

Can I use a different type of meat in Pochero besides chicken?

• Yes, Pochero is a versatile dish, and you can substitute chicken with other meats like pork or beef. Each variation will bring its unique taste to the dish, providing flexibility based on personal preferences.