Pollo Guisado

Ingredients

• 450 g Chicken Thigh
• 75 ml Bitter Orange Juice
• 4 pcs Garlic
• 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1.0833333333333333 tbsp Kosher Salt
• 1 pcs Red Onion
• 1 pcs Green Bell Pepper
• 1 pcs Cubanelle Pepper
• 12 g Cilantro
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 2 tbsp Annatto Oil
• 1 pcs Bay Leaf
• 0.5 tsp Ground Cumin
• 660 ml Water
• 180 g White Rice
• 1 pcs Avocado

Method

1. Pat {chicken_thigh} dry so it browns instead of steaming, then rub with {bitter_orange_juice}, {garlic}, {dried_oregano}, {black_pepper}, and {kosher_salt}. Let it stand so the seasoning penetrates.
2. Slice {red_onion}, dice {green_bell_pepper} and {cubanelle_pepper}, and chop {cilantro} so the sofrito cooks evenly and melts into the sauce.
3. Rinse {white_rice}, then cook it with {water} and a pinch of {kosher_salt} in a caldero or saucepan over medium heat. When the liquid is absorbed, cover, lower the heat, and cook until tender with a light concón on the bottom.
4. Heat {annatto_oil} in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear {chicken_thigh} in a single layer until deep golden on both sides, working in batches if needed so the pot stays hot.
5. Lower to medium low heat, add {red_onion}, {green_bell_pepper}, and {cubanelle_pepper} to the same pot with a pinch of {kosher_salt}, and sweat until softened and fragrant. Stir in {garlic}, {dried_oregano}, and {ground_cumin} and bloom briefly, then cook {tomato_paste} until it darkens slightly and smells sweet.
6. Return {chicken_thigh} to the pot with any juices. Add {water}, {bay_leaf}, most of the {cilantro}, and a splash of {bitter_orange_juice}. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium low heat, cover loosely, and braise until the sauce is glossy and the thickest part of the chicken reaches a safe temperature.
7. Turn off the heat and let {chicken_thigh} rest in the sauce so the juices settle and the braise relaxes.
8. Slice {avocado} just before serving to keep it bright and creamy.
9. Fluff {white_rice} and plate with {chicken_thigh} and plenty of sauce. Finish with the remaining {cilantro}, add {avocado} alongside, and taste the sauce for a final touch of {kosher_salt} if needed.