National Dish Guatemala: Jocon (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Jocon, one of Guatemala’s most beloved dishes! This vibrant stew wraps tender chicken in a bright green sauce built from fresh tomatillos, coriander and green chillies. Fresh, herbaceous and gently spiced, it is a true celebration of flavour that turns an everyday meal into something memorable. Bring the warmth and hospitality of a Guatemalan kitchen straight to your own table.
About Jocon
Jocon is a traditional dish from Guatemala that impresses not only with its vivid green colour but also with its unmistakable taste. The star of this delicious meal is a green salsa made from fresh tomatillos, coriander and chillies. These aromatic components lend the dish a wonderful freshness and a distinctive seasoning. The interplay between chicken and the colourful sauce makes jocon a genuine feast for the senses.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 whole chicken (or 4 chicken legs)
- 10 tomatillos, husked and washed
- 1 bunch of fresh coriander
- 2–3 green chillies (to taste)
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying
- Water for the broth
Shopping for the ingredients
To get the best ingredients for your jocon, it is worth visiting a local market or an Asian or Latin American grocery. Fresh tomatillos are often easiest to find in the summer months, while coriander is available all year round. When buying chicken, look for high quality and, where possible, free-range birds. Chillies come in many different varieties, from mild to fiery, so you can choose exactly to your own taste.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking jocon, prepare all of the ingredients thoroughly. Rinse the tomatillos under water and remove the outer husk. Wash the coriander and roughly chop it, then deseed the chillies if you prefer a milder heat. For a deeper aroma, chop the onion and the garlic as well. Good preparation is the key to a smooth and successful cooking session.
Step-by-step instructions
- Cook the chicken in a large pot with water and a little salt until it is tender.
- Remove the cooked chicken pieces and set them aside, reserving the broth.
- Blend the tomatillos, chillies, onion, garlic and coriander until you have a smooth sauce.
- Heat a little oil in a pan and pour in the green sauce, frying it briefly to release the aromas.
- Return the chicken to the sauce and mix well, adding broth as needed to reach the consistency you like.
- Season with salt and pepper, then let it simmer gently for 20–30 minutes so the flavours come together.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Jocon is by nature a dish that can be prepared gluten-free and lactose-free. When buying your ingredients, simply check that there are no artificial additives or unwanted impurities. All of the listed ingredients, including the chicken and the vegetables, are naturally free from gluten and lactose. That way you can enjoy the dish with complete confidence, whether or not you have special dietary requirements.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Although jocon is traditionally made with chicken, there are plenty of ways to adapt the recipe for vegans and vegetarians. Instead of chicken, use tofu or seitan to achieve a similar texture. These alternatives blend beautifully into the green sauce. Vegetables such as mushrooms, courgette or aubergine also make a delicious addition — much like the produce that shines in Verduras En Escabeche.
More tips and tricks
For the best result, let the sauce simmer for a while so the flavours can fully develop. If you like it hotter, add extra chillies, or stir them in only at the very end of cooking. Experiment with spices such as cumin or aniseed to give your jocon a personal touch. Remember that even small adjustments can turn a simple dish into a masterpiece.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Jocon is a flexible dish that is easy to tailor to your preferences. Try different meats such as beef or pork if chicken is not your favourite. The sides can vary too: serve the dish with quinoa or polenta instead of rice. These variations bring new dimensions to the meal and make the recipe endlessly versatile.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find certain ingredients, there are many alternatives to fall back on. When tomatillos are unavailable, green tomatoes work well to achieve a similar depth of flavour. In a pinch, green peppers can also offer an interesting alternative. Far from every recipe is set in stone — that adaptability is exactly what makes cooking so exciting, as you will also see in Chiles En Jocon.
Drink pairing ideas
A wide range of drinks pairs well with a delicious jocon and helps to underline the flavours of the dish. Try a fresh, light beer or a zesty lemonade to balance the heat of the sauce. Hibiscus tea is another excellent choice, adding a fruity note of its own. A glass of aguas frescas, a Latin American refresher made from fruit and water, rounds off the whole experience perfectly.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of your jocon is almost as important as the cooking. Serve the dish in an attractive bowl and garnish it with fresh coriander and lime wedges. You can also add avocado or a scattering of crumbled cheese to create an extra visual and flavourful element. An appealing arrangement on the plate makes enjoying the meal even more of a pleasure, especially with a stack of Tortilla De Maiz on the side.
A bit of history
Jocon has its roots in Guatemalan culture and reflects the country’s diverse ingredients and traditions. The dish is not only a cornerstone of Guatemalan cuisine but also a symbol of the bond between family and friends around the table. Historically, jocon was often prepared for festivals and special occasions to offer guests something truly special. Today it is a much-loved dish in many households, radiating the warmth and hospitality of Guatemala.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Jocon
Jocon is a traditional Guatemalan dish that can be enjoyed in countless variations, with its aromatic green sauce and tender pieces of chicken. Ideal for a personalised cooking experience, the recipe is easy to adapt to individual tastes. Vegans and meat lovers alike will find suitable alternatives so that everyone can enjoy the dish together. Let the cultural richness of Guatemala inspire you and try jocon for yourself — it might just become your new favourite meal.
