Quirky Foodster
  1. Back

Lunches

Jocón de Pollo (Guatemalan Green Chicken Stew)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)

Ingredients

  • 1.2 kg (2.5 lb) chicken pieces, bone-in
  • 8 (8 tomatillos) tomatillos, husked
  • 1 large (1 bunch) bunch cilantro
  • 2 green (2 peppers) bell peppers
  • 1 white (1 onion) onion
  • 3 garlic (3 cloves) cloves
  • 30 g (3 tbsp) pumpkin seeds, toasted and ground
  • 2 sprigs (2 sprigs) fresh mint
  • 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Place the chicken in a large pot, cover with water, add salt and simmer for 25 minutes. Reserve the broth and set the chicken aside.
  2. Boil the tomatillos, half the onion, garlic and green peppers in a separate pot of water for 8 minutes until soft, then drain.
  3. Blend the boiled vegetables with the cilantro, mint and 250 ml (1 cup) of reserved chicken broth until smooth.
  4. Heat oil in the original pot, add the remaining onion finely chopped, and cook until translucent.
  5. Pour in the blended green sauce and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in the ground pumpkin seeds to thicken, then return the chicken to the pot with enough broth to just cover.
  7. Simmer for a further 15 minutes until the chicken is fully tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season to taste.

Introduction: Jocón hails from the Cobán and Verapaz regions and represents the cuisine's green, herb-forward side, in contrast to the red, chile-forward Pepián.

Cultural Background: Jocón hails from the Cobán and Verapaz regions and represents the cuisine's green, herb-forward side, in contrast to the red, chile-forward Pepián. Its vivid green colour comes from tomatillos, cilantro and green pepper, herbs long used by Q'eqchi' Maya cooks.

Tips: Don't skip the mint — it's a small quantity but gives Jocón its distinctive fresh aroma.

Variations: Some cooks add a little masa harina instead of pumpkin seeds as a thickener.

Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition: Approx. 410 kcal, 33 g protein, 20 g fat, 22 g carbohydrate per serving.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of bone-in pieces?

A: Yes, though bone-in thighs give a richer broth and more traditional result.

Q: Is Jocón spicy?

A: No, it is herb-forward rather than chile-forward, making it a mild, aromatic dish.

© Arscale 2026