Pollo a la Secretaria (Secretary’s Chicken)

c
@cocinero44

Pollo a la Secretaria is a traditional dish from Alcalá la Real, a town in the Andalusian region of Jaén, Spain. Its origins date back to the 1920s when a group of friends gathered to prepare a chicken and rice stew but realized they had no rice. The secretary's wife...

Pollo a la Secretaria (Secretary’s Chicken) recipe
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
1hr 30min
Total Time
2hr

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = One portion of chicken stew)
  • large free-range chicken
    large free-range chicken
    1
  • glass olive oil
    glass olive oil
    2
  • bay leaves
    bay leaves
    2sprigs
  • large onions
    large onions
    2
  • garlic
    garlic
    6clove
  • glass white wine
    glass white wine
    1
  • chicken livers
    chicken livers
    2
  • canned roasted red peppers
    canned roasted red peppers
    250g
  • canned peas
    canned peas
    150g
  • fresh tomatoes
    fresh tomatoes
    500g
  • Serrano ham
    Serrano ham
    150g
  • ground black pepper
    ground black pepper
    2tsp
  • packet yellow food coloring
    packet yellow food coloring
    2
  • saffron threads
    saffron threads
    1pinch
  • salt
    salt
    1dash

How to make Pollo a la Secretaria (Secretary’s Chicken)

  1. Step 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large pot and add the Serrano ham, cut into small pieces.

  2. Step 2

    Add the chicken, cut into pieces, along with the bay leaves, ground black pepper, and salt. Fry the chicken until golden.

  3. Step 3

    Once the chicken is fried, pour in the white wine and let it reduce.

  4. Step 4

    Separately, sauté the garlic, chopped onions, chicken livers, half of the peas, and half of the roasted red peppers. Cook until everything is softened and the livers are fried.

  5. Step 5

    Remove the livers and blend them together with the saffron threads. Add this mixture back to the stew along with a splash of water and the crushed fresh tomatoes.

  6. Step 6

    Let everything simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce has reduced.

  7. Step 7

    Finally, add the remaining peas and the rest of the roasted red peppers, chopped into pieces. Stir well and serve.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

75.0kcal (3.75%)

Protein

5.8g (11.66%)

Carbs

8.3g (3.03%)

Sugars

3.3g (6.66%)

Healthy Fat

1.7g

Unhealthy Fat

0.8g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor.

  2. Adjust the amount of saffron threads to your preference for a richer aroma.

  3. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

  4. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the stew for a longer time.

  5. For added depth, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and spices for a few hours before cooking.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of meat?

    While the traditional recipe uses chicken, you can substitute it with turkey or rabbit for a different flavor.

  2. What can I serve with this dish?

    Pollo a la Secretaria pairs well with crusty bread, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables.

  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the stew a day in advance. The flavors will deepen as it rests.

  4. Is saffron necessary?

    Saffron adds a unique aroma and color, but you can substitute it with turmeric if unavailable.

  5. How do I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

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