12 Amazing Cuban Chicken Recipes to Savor
Cuban chicken is known for its bold flavors, combining savory, tangy, and aromatic spices.
These recipes showcase the best of Cuban cuisine, with tender chicken prepared in unique ways.
From traditional dishes to modern takes, each recipe offers a fresh, flavorful experience.
The vibrant flavors of garlic, citrus, and herbs are at the heart of Cuban cooking.
Fricase de Pollo (Cuban Chicken Fricassee)
Fricase de pollo showcases tender chicken thighs immersed in a rich, wine-infused broth that bursts with flavor.
This Cuban-style stew combines the heartiness of potatoes and carrots with the vibrant crunch of bell peppers and olives.
Each ingredient contributes to a delightful medley that excites the palate.
Ideal companion in this case is fluffy white rice and crispy tostones.
Pollo a la Plancha
Pollo a la plancha offers a delightful twist on grilled chicken.
Seasoned simply with spices, this dish highlights the natural flavors of the meat.
Cooking it on high heat gives it a beautiful char while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Serve alongside fresh vegetables or rice for a balanced meal that feels both light and satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together quickly without sacrificing taste or quality.
Cuban Chicken Soup (Sopa De Pollo)
Cuban chicken soup, or sopa de pollo, offers a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul.
This dish features tender chicken simmered with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.
A hint of citrus elevates the taste, adding brightness to each spoonful.
You can easily customize it by incorporating your favorite ingredients like corn or potatoes for added texture.
Traditionally served with rice on the side, this soup invites everyone to enjoy a hearty meal together.
Chicken Ropa Vieja
Chicken ropa vieja offers a delightful twist on a classic dish.
Shredded chicken mingles with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices for an explosion of flavor.
This meal showcases the rich culinary heritage of Latin American cuisine while being accessible to home cooks.
The combination of savory and slightly tangy notes creates an unforgettable taste experience that lingers on the palate.
Chicharron de Pollo
Chicharron de pollo offers a delightful crunch that excites the palate.
Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a blend of spices, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
The golden, crispy exterior contrasts with the tender meat inside.
Enjoy this dish as an appetizer or alongside your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
Street vendors often serve it fresh, adding to its charm and authenticity.
Imperial Rice
Imperial rice captures the essence of culinary elegance with its rich flavors and exquisite presentation.
This dish often features a blend of fragrant jasmine or basmati rice, cooked to perfection and adorned with vibrant vegetables and tender proteins.
A hint of saffron or turmeric can elevate its visual appeal, creating a stunning golden hue that draws the eye.
The combination of spices adds depth, inviting you to savor each mouthful as it unfolds on your palate.
Cuban Mojo Chicken
Cuban mojo chicken offers a vibrant burst of flavor that captures the essence of Caribbean cuisine.
Marinated in a zesty blend of citrus juices, garlic, and spices, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds.
The grilling process adds a delightful smokiness that complements the marinade.
Juicy and tender chicken pieces shine as they soak up all those bold flavors.
Serving it alongside rice or plantains creates an inviting meal.
Pollo a la Barbacoa (Cuban Garlic Butter Chicken)
Pollo a la barbacoa features tender chicken infused with the rich flavors of garlic and butter.
This dish is celebrated for its vibrant marinade, combining zesty citrus and aromatic herbs that awaken the senses.
Cooking it low and slow ensures each piece absorbs every drop of flavor, resulting in juicy bites that are hard to forget.
Served alongside rice or plantains, this meal creates a delightful balance on your plate.
Vaca Frita De Pollo
Vaca frita de pollo offers a delicious twist on traditional Cuban cuisine.
This dish features tender, marinated chicken that’s seared to perfection, creating a delightful crispy exterior.
The vibrant flavors of lime and garlic infuse the meat, making every bite memorable.
Served alongside onions and peppers, it adds a colorful touch to your plate.
Croquetas de Pollo (Cuban Chicken Croquettes)
Cuban chicken croquettes offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Crispy on the outside, they reveal a creamy filling that bursts with savory goodness.
This dish showcases tender chicken mixed with spices, creating an irresistible taste experience.
Often served as appetizers or snacks, they can elevate any gathering with their unique charm.
Dipping them in tangy sauces adds an extra layer of excitement to each bite.
Ajiaco Cubano (Cuban Country-Style Stew)
Ajiaco cubano offers a rich blend of flavors that reflect the heart of Cuban cuisine.
This hearty stew combines chicken, potatoes, and corn, simmered to perfection in a savory broth.
Each ingredient contributes its own character, creating a satisfying dish that warms both body and soul.
Fresh herbs like cilantro add brightness while hints of garlic deepen the taste experience.
Cuban Arroz Con Pollo
Cuban arroz con pollo offers a delightful mix of flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Cuba.
The vibrant saffron and turmeric create a beautiful golden hue, making this dish visually appealing.
Juicy chicken simmers with bell peppers, onions, and peas, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
A hint of garlic adds depth while the spices infuse warmth into the rice.
Truc Tran (Kris)
Expertise
Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Asian Food Content Creator, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert
Education
Program: Diploma of Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)
Focus: The culinary program included a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, and a Diploma of Hospitality Management. This education provided a comprehensive blend of theoretical and practical training in finance, sustainability, diversity, and human resources management.
Program: Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
Focus: Explored global cuisines, and developed entrepreneurial abilities to manage a successful food business, along with acquiring essential language, math, computer, and communication skills for success.
Program: Certificate of Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef
Focus: Master traditional and modern Vietnamese cooking techniques.
Truc Tran, or Kris, is an accomplished food editor with extensive training in hospitality and culinary arts, including a deep focus on Vietnamese cuisine from various prestigious institutions. She possesses over nine years of experience, developing her expertise in global cuisines and blending traditional Vietnamese cooking with contemporary trends to create engaging and educational content.
She also has a rich educational background, including a Diploma of Hospitality from TasTAFE and a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts from Kendall College’s Sydney branch. It enables her to offer unique insights into meal planning, recipe development, and food culture, making her articles and cooking videos both informative and appealing.