Cazuela de Ave

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cazuela de Ave offers a rich and savory taste that’s balanced by the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the tenderness of the chicken. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be made with various vegetables depending on the season. The broth is flavorful and light, and it pairs perfectly with the starchy vegetables and the juicy chicken. It’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort, making it ideal for weeknights or family get-togethers.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1/2 butternut squash, peeled and cubed

• 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds

• 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

• Lime wedges for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until browned on the other side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

2. Cook the aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Add the vegetables and broth: Add the carrots, potatoes, butternut squash, corn, and green beans to the pot. Stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Season: Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, skin-side up. Cover the pot and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

5. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

6. Optional: Serve with lime wedges for a burst of fresh citrus flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Total time: 1 hour (including prep and cooking time)

Variations

• Add other vegetables: You can customize the vegetables to suit your taste. Leeks, zucchini, or bell peppers would make great additions to the stew.

• Spicy Cazuela de Ave: Add a few slices of chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.

• Use chicken breast: For a leaner option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast instead of thighs.

• Vegetarian Cazuela: If you want to make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with mushrooms, tempeh, or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Cazuela de Ave can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the stew over low heat on the stovetop, adding a bit of extra broth if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use other meats like beef or pork, but the cooking time may vary. For example, beef will need a longer cooking time to become tender, so adjust accordingly.

2. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Cazuela de Ave in a slow cooker. After browning the chicken, transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

3. Can I make Cazuela de Ave without corn?

Yes, if you can’t find fresh corn or don’t prefer it, you can omit the corn and add more potatoes or other vegetables of your choice.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

While fresh vegetables are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen vegetables as a substitute. Just add them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking them.

5. What should I serve with Cazuela de Ave?

Cazuela de Ave is typically served on its own as a complete meal, but it can also be paired with some warm bread, a side salad, or even a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

6. Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, you can use other types of squash such as acorn squash or pumpkin, depending on your preference or availability. These will give a slightly different flavor but will still work well in the dish.

7. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, Cazuela de Ave is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. Just make sure to check that the chicken broth you use is gluten-free, as some store-bought broths may contain gluten.

8. Can I freeze leftover Cazuela de Ave?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove, adding a bit of extra broth if needed.

9. How can I make this dish more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, you can add a bay leaf while simmering the soup, or stir in some fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end also brightens the flavors.

10. How do I make Cazuela de Ave spicier?

If you like spice, you can add chili peppers, such as jalapeños or serrano, during the cooking process. You can also top the dish with hot sauce or serve it with sliced fresh chilies.

Conclusion

Cazuela de Ave is a comforting, flavorful Chilean chicken stew that brings together the best of hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and savory broth. This one-pot meal is perfect for family dinners and offers a great way to enjoy fresh, wholesome ingredients. With its versatility in ingredients and ease of preparation, Cazuela de Ave is sure to become a beloved dish in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal, this Chilean classic is guaranteed to satisfy!