A rich, thick, and mildly spicy chicken stew, considered a national dish of Guatemala. It's made with roasted tomatoes, tomatillos, various chiles, and ground seeds (sesame, pepitas, squash seeds) for thickening and flavor. The authentic version often includes some potatoes and green beans.

Key ingredients

Chicken (bone-in pieces), tomatoes, tomatillos, various dried chiles (guajillo, pasilla, chile cobanero), pepitas, sesame seeds, achiote, onion, garlic, cilantro, chicken broth, cooking oil, green beans, potentially chayote (güisquil).

If you order it anyway

Explicitly request no rice or tortillas. Ask if potatoes can be omitted or significantly reduced. Focus on the chicken and the flavorful sauce. Request any high-carb vegetables be minimized or removed.

Watch out for

Traditional thickeners like bread or masa (rare but possible), high quantity of seeds and some vegetables (potatoes if not omitted, tomatillos, tomatoes, chayote, green beans), potential for hidden sugar in the sauce.

Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.