Main Course · Dinner · Latin American ·

Sweet and Smoky Guatemalan Pepián with Pumpkin Seeds

Name: Sweet and Smoky Guatemalan Pepián with Pumpkin Seeds
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 3 lbs chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks); 1/4 cup lime juice; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 medium tomatoes, quartered; 1 large onion, quartered; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, peeled; 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 4 cups chicken broth; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved; 1 cup corn kernels

This heartwarming stew combines chicken, vibrant vegetables, and earthy spices for a comforting main course that takes your taste buds on a journey.

4(86 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 4, 2025

Sweet and Smoky Guatemalan Pepián with Pumpkin Seeds — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h

Cook

3 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Marinade

For the Vegetable Base

For the Spice Mixture

For the Stew

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 493 kcal
Protein: 36 g
Carbs: 32 g
Fat: 27 g
Fiber: 5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2960 kcal
Protein: 216 g
Carbs: 192 g
Fat: 162 g
Fiber: 31 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
3 lbs chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)	1870	174	0	135	0
1/4 cup lime juice	15	0	5	0	0
Salt, to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Black pepper, to taste	5	0	1	0	1
2 medium tomatoes, quartered	50	2	12	0	4
1 large onion, quartered	60	2	15	0	3
1 bell pepper, sliced	20	1	6	0	2
2 cloves garlic, peeled	10	0	2	0	0
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds	180	8	4	15	2
2 tablespoons sesame seeds	100	3	5	9	2
1 teaspoon dried oregano	2	0	0	0	0
1/2 teaspoon allspice	3	0	1	0	1
1 teaspoon smoked paprika	5	0	1	0	1
4 cups chicken broth	40	8	2	1	0
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed	390	10	90	0	6
2 carrots, sliced	50	1	12	0	3
1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved	30	2	7	0	3
1 cup corn kernels	130	5	29	2	4

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

1
Combine Ingredients
Combine lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
2
Add Chicken
Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
3
Marinate
Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Vegetables

1
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Arrange Vegetables
Arrange tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and garlic on a baking sheet.
3
Roast
Roast for 20 minutes until slightly charred.
Tip: Avoid burning the garlic during roasting, as it will impart a bitter taste.

How to Make Sweet and Smoky Guatemalan Pepián with Pumpkin Seeds

Total time: 4 h · Yields 6 servings

1
Blending the Roasted Vegetables
Blend roasted vegetables until smooth.
2
Toasting the Spice Mixture
Toast pumpkin and sesame seeds in a dry skillet until golden. Add oregano, allspice, and smoked paprika, stir briefly.
3
Combining Ingredients
In a large pot, combine the marinated chicken, blended vegetables, toasted spice mixture, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.