Pollo al sillao una receta rica, fácil y rápida
Pollo al sillao una receta rica, fácil y rápida is a medium Peruvian recipe that serves 4. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Giacomo Bocchio on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min
Cost: $40.88 total, $10.22 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken Pieces (bone‑in, skin‑on (thighs, drumsticks, wings, etc.))
- 80 ml Soy Sauce (light or regular soy sauce)
- 30 ml Oyster Sauce (adds umami and slight sweetness)
- 1 tsp Chinese Five‑Spice Powder
- 30 g Fresh Ginger (Kion) (grated with skin, then squeezed to release juice)
- 3 pcs Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 4 stalks Green Onions (Scallions) (white and green parts separated; green tops saved for garnish)
- 1 medium White Onion (sliced thin)
- 1 large Bell Pepper (red or yellow, cut into thin julienne strips)
- 240 ml Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 tsp Cornstarch (optional, for thickening if sauce is thin)
- 15 ml Sesame Oil (to finish, adds toasted flavor)
- 30 ml Olive Oil (for searing; extra‑virgin preferred)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 cups White Rice (cooked, for serving)
- 30 g Sorrel Leaves (Sorel) (tart, used in salad)
- 30 g Watercress
- 30 g Wild Arugula
- 30 g Misuna Leaves (Pink or Green) (mild, slightly bitter)
- 45 ml Olive Oil (for vinaigrette) (extra‑virgin)
- 15 ml Red Wine Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp Lemon Zest (freshly grated)
Instructions
Make the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese five‑spice powder, and the grated ginger (including skin). Stir until well mixed.
Time: PT5M
Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, toss to coat evenly, then cover and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Drain Excess Marinade
Place a wire rack over a tray and arrange the marinated chicken on it to let the excess liquid drip off.
Time: PT2M
Dilute the Used Marinade
Transfer the leftover marinade (now touched by raw chicken) to a small bowl, add the chicken broth, and whisk to combine. Set aside for later deglazing.
Time: PT3M
Sear the Chicken Skin‑Side Down
Heat the skillet over medium heat, add 2 Tbsp olive oil, then place the chicken pieces skin‑side down. Cook 6‑8 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium heat
Remove Chicken Temporarily
Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside while you build the sauce.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Aromatics
Add a splash more olive oil to the same skillet. Add the finely chopped ginger, the white parts of the green onions, sliced white onion, and minced garlic. Sauté 3 minutes until lightly caramelized.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium heat
Deglaze the Pan
Pour the diluted broth‑marinade mixture into the skillet, scraping the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Bring to a gentle boil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Additional Broth
If the sauce looks too thick, add an extra ½ cup chicken broth. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low heat
Return Chicken to the Sauce
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, skin side up. Cover the pan, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 20 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: low simmer
Add Bell Pepper and Green Onion Tops
After 20 minutes of cooking, stir in the julienned bell pepper and the green tops of the scallions. Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: low simmer
Check Doneness
Pierce the thickest piece of chicken (usually a drumstick) with a knife; the juices should run clear, not pink. If needed, cook an additional 2‑3 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Finish the Sauce
Stir in the sesame oil and freshly ground black pepper. If the sauce is thinner than desired, whisk together cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the pan; cook 1 minute until thickened.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: low heat
Prepare the Salad Vinaigrette
In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, salt, and pepper (3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar).
Time: PT3M
Assemble the Salad
Combine sorrel, watercress, wild arugula, and misuna leaves in a serving bowl. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently.
Time: PT3M
Plate and Serve
Spoon a serving of white rice onto each plate, top with a few pieces of chicken, spoon over the sauce, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and the remaining green onion tops. Serve the fresh salad on the side.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 14 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free, Gluten‑Free option available with tamari
Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Shellfish (oyster sauce), Gluten (if regular soy sauce is used)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Pieces: Boneless skinless chicken thighs (adjust cooking time)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Oyster Sauce: Hoisin sauce (different flavor)
- Instead of Chinese Five‑Spice Powder: Ground cinnamon + star anise blend
- Instead of Fresh Ginger (Kion): Ground ginger (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Green Onions (Scallions): Chives
- Instead of White Onion: Shallots
- Instead of Bell Pepper: Pimiento morrón
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Water + bouillon cube
- Instead of Cornstarch: Potato starch, Arrowroot powder
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Toasted peanut oil
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of White Rice: Quinoa
- Instead of Sorrel Leaves (Sorel): Arugula, Spinach
- Instead of Watercress: Radish greens
- Instead of Wild Arugula: Regular arugula
- Instead of Misuna Leaves (Pink or Green): Swiss chard leaves
- Instead of Olive Oil (for vinaigrette): Canola oil
- Instead of Red Wine Vinegar: Lemon juice
- Instead of Lemon Zest: Lime zest
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Skillet or Wok
- Tongs
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Small Bowl (optional)
- Whisk (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes
- Draining excess liquid to avoid soggy sauce
- Deglazing the pan with diluted broth‑marinade to capture the fond
- Checking chicken doneness by clear juices
- Finishing the sauce with sesame oil and optional cornstarch
Chef Tips from the Video
- Leave the ginger skin on when grating; it adds a subtle earthiness and nutrients.
- Use a wire rack to drain excess marinade; this prevents the sauce from becoming overly salty.
- Deglazing with the diluted raw‑marinade captures the deepest umami flavors without waste.
- Add the toasted sesame oil at the very end to preserve its nutty aroma.
Troubleshooting
Chicken skin does not become crisp.
Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken and avoid moving the pieces for the first few minutes. Pat the chicken dry before searing.
Sauce is too salty.
Dilute with additional chicken broth or a splash of water, and finish with a little extra sesame oil to balance.
Sauce is too thin.
Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with cold water and stir into the simmering sauce; cook until it thickens.
Chicken is undercooked.
Continue simmering covered on low heat, checking every 2 minutes until juices run clear.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken portions (without rice) for up to 2 months; reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the vinaigrette and wash the salad greens a day ahead; store vinaigrette separately.
- Cook the white rice while the chicken simmers to streamline timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Pollo al Silló in Peruvian cuisine?
Pollo al Silló reflects Peru's long‑standing Chinese influence, known as Chifa, where soy sauce (silló) and other Asian ingredients were blended with local ingredients to create a uniquely Peruvian comfort dish often found in family meals and restaurant menus.
What are the traditional regional variations of Pollo al Silló within Peru?
In coastal regions the dish may include a touch of lime juice, while in the highlands cooks sometimes add a splash of ají amarillo for mild heat. Some families sweeten the sauce with a bit of brown sugar, creating a sweet‑savory version.
How is Pollo al Silló traditionally served in Peruvian households?
It is typically plated over a mound of white rice, accompanied by a simple salad of local greens such as sorrel, and sometimes garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and aroma.
On what occasions is Pollo al Silló traditionally prepared in Peru?
Pollo al Silló is a popular weekday lunch or dinner dish, but it also appears at family gatherings, birthday celebrations, and as part of a larger buffet (buffet de almuerzo) because it can be made in bulk and stays flavorful.
What other Peruvian dishes pair well with Pollo al Silló?
It pairs beautifully with classic Peruvian sides such as arroz blanco, papa a la huancaína, or a fresh quinoa salad. A cold chicha morada beverage also complements the savory flavors.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Pollo al Silló versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include soy sauce (silló), oyster sauce, Chinese five‑spice, fresh ginger, and chicken broth. Substitutes can be tamari for gluten‑free soy sauce, hoisin for oyster sauce, or a simple mixture of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar if oyster sauce is unavailable.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pollo al Silló at home?
Common errors include over‑salting the chicken (the soy sauce is already salty), not draining the excess marinade, overcrowding the pan which prevents a crisp skin, and skipping the deglazing step which loses the flavorful fond.
Why does this Pollo al Silló recipe use a diluted raw‑marinade for deglazing instead of plain water?
Diluting the raw‑marinade incorporates the concentrated umami and aromatic compounds that have already infused the chicken, creating a richer sauce while the added broth balances the intensity and ensures safety.
Can I make Pollo al Silló ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead, then refrigerate. Cooked Pollo al Silló keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to retain moisture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Pollo al Silló is done cooking?
The chicken skin should be golden‑brown and slightly crisp, while the meat inside is tender and the sauce should be glossy, coating the pieces without pooling excessively.
What does the YouTube channel Giacomo Bocchio specialize in?
The YouTube channel Giacomo Bocchio focuses on approachable Latin American home cooking, especially Peruvian dishes, with clear step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional techniques with modern kitchen tips.
How does the YouTube channel Giacomo Bocchio's approach to Peruvian cooking differ from other Peruvian cooking channels?
Giacomo Bocchio emphasizes quick, ingredient‑light preparations that use pre‑cut proteins and modern shortcuts while still honoring authentic flavors, whereas many other channels focus on more elaborate, traditional methods.
Last updated: September 5, 2026








