Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

Fall-off-the-bone chicken slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce with potatoes, olives, and peppers, creating a deeply rich and comforting Cuban classic.

by BdRecipes
Published: Updated:

Cuban Fricassee de Pollo is a delicious dish that brings warm flavors and comforting aromas to any table. This recipe highlights tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

We’ve enjoyed this dish in Cuba and have brought it back to share our version with you.

As we dive into this recipe, we’ll explain how to marinate the chicken for maximum flavor and guide you through the cooking process.

Each bite of this hearty fricassee reminds us of our travels and the joy of discovering new culinary experiences. Let’s take a trip to Cuba right from our kitchen!

16. Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Cuban Fricassee De Pollo Recipe

We absolutely love this Cuban Fricassee de Pollo for its rich flavors and comforting qualities. The blend of tender chicken, tomatoes, and spices creates a dish that feels like a warm hug.

Key Reasons to Enjoy This Recipe:

  • Bold Cuban Flavors: The combination of garlic, lime juice, and spices gives the dish its authentic taste.
  • Easy to Make: Whether you use a stovetop or a slow cooker, this recipe fits into our busy lives.
  • Perfect for Sharing: This dish is great for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Cooking this fricassee allows us to bring a touch of Cuba into our kitchen. We love the way the kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas while it simmers.

Simple Ingredients:

  • Chicken
  • Tomatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic

Each ingredient contributes to a flavorful stew that’s not only delicious but also inviting.

As we travel, we enjoy discovering the stories behind dishes. This recipe connects us to Cuba’s vibrant culture through its unique flavors and ingredients.

Whether we are in our cozy kitchen or traveling, this dish always provides joy and a taste of adventure. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience we love to share.

What Makes This Cuban Fricassee De Pollo Recipe Special

Cuban Fricassee de Pollo is a delightful dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. What makes this recipe special is its unique blend of flavors and ingredients.

One standout feature is the marination process. By allowing the chicken to soak in lime juice, vinegar, garlic, and spices, we deepen the flavors. This step ensures a juicy and tender result.

Another aspect we love is the cooking method. The chicken is first seared to create a beautiful brown crust. Then, it’s cooked slowly in a rich tomato-based sauce. This technique helps to lock in moisture and create a hearty stew-like dish.

The inclusion of potatoes enhances the recipe, making it a complete meal. They absorb the sauce, adding another layer of flavor. Plus, they provide a comforting texture.

We appreciate how this dish reflects Cuban culture. Each family may have their own take on the recipe, adding personal touches. It’s a wonderful way to share stories and create memories over a meal.

With every bite, we taste the vibrant history of Cuban cuisine. This recipe is not just about food; it’s about connection, tradition, and love. Sharing this dish with friends and family brings everyone together, making it truly special.

Cooking Equipment Needed

When making Cuban Fricassee de Pollo, having the right kitchen tools makes the process smoother. Here’s what we recommend:

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is perfect for cooking the chicken and potatoes together. We prefer one with a heavy bottom for even heat.
  • Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: These are essential for chopping vegetables and preparing chicken. A good knife makes a big difference!
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to a great dish. We always keep a set handy.
  • Wooden Spoon: This tool is great for stirring without scratching your pot or pan.
  • Tongs: Use these to turn the chicken while it cooks. They help keep our hands safe from hot oil.
  • Lid: A tight-fitting lid helps to keep steam in, which is important for making tender chicken and potatoes.
  • Heatproof Spatula: This can help us scrape up any delicious bits on the bottom of the pot.

Gathering these tools before we start cooking makes it more enjoyable. Cooking is all about having fun!

16. Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

Cooking Instructions

To make a delicious Cuban Fricassee de Pollo, we follow these steps:

  1. Marinate the Chicken
    We start by marinating the chicken. Place the pieces in a bowl or zip-lock bag. Add salt, vinegar, garlic, onion, and lime juice. Seal and chill for at least 1 hour.
  2. Prepare Ingredients
    While the chicken is marinating, we chop some potatoes and gather capers and olives. These add amazing flavor.
  3. Heat the Oil
    In a large pot, we heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. This makes sure our chicken browns nicely.
  4. Brown the Chicken
    Once the oil is hot, we carefully add the chicken pieces. We let them brown on all sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add Remaining Ingredients
    Next, we add the chopped potatoes, capers, and olives. Pour in a can of diced tomatoes and some broth or water. This creates a nice, flavorful sauce.
  6. Simmer
    We bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is tender.
  7. Serve
    Finally, we serve the fricassee hot, often with rice or bread to soak up the sauce. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips

Cooking Cuban Fricassee de Pollo can be a fun adventure! Here are some helpful tips to make it even better.

  • Marinate Well: We recommend marinating the chicken in salt and mojo for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Pat Dry: Before cooking, pat the chicken pieces dry. This step will help reduce splattering when they hit the hot oil.
  • Use a Heavy Pot: A heavy pot helps to distribute heat evenly. This is key when sautéing the chicken and simmering the stew.
  • Low and Slow: Allow the fricassee to simmer on low heat. This slow cooking method helps develop rich flavors.
  • Taste as You Go: Remember to taste your dish while cooking. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a splash of lime juice if needed.
  • Capers and Olives: Add capers and olives towards the end. This helps keep their flavors fresh and vibrant.
  • Serve with Love: Fricassee de Pollo is best served with rice. It soaks up the delicious sauce and brings everything together!

These tips can help us create a dish that feels like sunshine on a plate. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Ingredients Needed for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

Chicken Marinade

Chicken thighs
Orange juice
Lime, juiced
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper

Chicken Fricassee

Olive oil
Yellow onion
Red bell pepper
Green bell pepper
Garlic cloves
Tomato sauce
Dry white wine
Bay leaves
Cumin
Oregano
Paprika
Salt
Pepper
Green olives
Chicken stock
Carrots
Baby potatoes

24 Great Cuban Recipes

Instructions For Preparing the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

Marinating the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken with all marinade ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Searing the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid, and sear on both sides until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.

Cooking the Sauce
In the same pot, sauté onion and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute. Reduce heat to medium and stir in tomato sauce, reserved marinade, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Cook for 5 minutes, then add white wine and green olives, cooking for another 2 minutes.

Simmering the Chicken
Pour in chicken stock, mix well, and return the chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Add carrots, stir, spoon sauce over the chicken, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes. Add potatoes, cover, and cook for 30 more minutes until tender. For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered until desired consistency is reached. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.

16. Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

FAQs For the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

Question: What ingredients are needed for a Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe?

A: A Cuban Fricassee de Pollo recipe typically includes chicken, potatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomato sauce, olives, capers, white wine, and spices like cumin and oregano.

Question: How do I make an authentic Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe?

A: To make an authentic Cuban Fricassee de Pollo recipe, brown the chicken, then sauté onions, garlic, and peppers. Add tomato sauce, wine, olives, capers, and potatoes, then simmer until the chicken is tender and flavors are well blended.

Question: Can I make a Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, a Cuban Fricassee de Pollo recipe can be made in a slow cooker by combining all ingredients and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.

Question: What is the best way to serve a Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe?

A: A Cuban Fricassee de Pollo recipe is best served with white rice, black beans, and fried plantains to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.

Question: Can I use boneless chicken for a Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe?

A: Yes, a Cuban Fricassee de Pollo recipe can be made with boneless chicken, but bone-in chicken adds more flavor and tenderness to the dish.

16. Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

Fall-off-the-bone chicken slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce with potatoes, olives, and peppers, creating a deeply rich and comforting Cuban classic.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Marinate Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course, marinade
Cuisine Cuban
Servings 6 people
Calories 248 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade

  • 6 chicken bone-in skinless thighs
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 1 lime juice juiced
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Chicken Fricassee

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion medium diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • 15 green olives
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2 carrots cut into smaller chunks
  • 6 baby potatoes halved (or 2 large potatoes cut into chunks)

Instructions
 

Marinating the Chicken

  • In a bowl, toss the chicken with all marinade ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Searing the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid, and sear on both sides until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.

Cooking the Sauce

  • In the same pot, sauté onion and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another minute. Reduce heat to medium and stir in tomato sauce, reserved marinade, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Cook for 5 minutes, then add white wine and green olives, cooking for another 2 minutes.

Simmering the Chicken

  • Pour in chicken stock, mix well, and return the chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Add carrots, stir, spoon sauce over the chicken, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes. Add potatoes, cover, and cook for 30 more minutes until tender. For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered until desired consistency is reached. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1personCalories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 609mgPotassium: 667mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 4442IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

16. Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

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3 comments

BdRecipes February 24, 2025 - 2:08 am

5 stars
This Cuban-style chicken stew was rich, flavorful, and so comforting. The chicken was tender, and the sauce had the perfect balance of garlic, tomato, and spices. Served with rice, it made for an unforgettable meal. My guests kept saying how delicious it was and that they couldn’t wait to try it again!

Reply
Jeremy O’Connor May 13, 2025 - 8:58 am

Im not convinced this Cuban Fricassee de Pollo recipe is as special as they claim. Ive tried it and its just okay. Maybe Im missing something, but I expected more flavor.

Reply
Rex June 15, 2025 - 5:29 am

Im not sure about this Cuban Fricassee de Pollo recipe. Can we really trust it to be authentic? I feel like theres always some secret ingredient missing in these online recipes. What do you think?

Reply
5 from 1 vote

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