Cuban Chicken
Cuban Chicken offers a vibrant blend of flavors with tender chicken cooked in a savory tomato sauce, accented by garlic, green pepper, and aromatic spices. Raisins and olives add a sweet and salty touch, making it a hearty dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. It pairs well with rice or plantains.
Ingredients
- 1 (3 to 3 1/2 lb.) fryer chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce or chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 4 small, thin skinned potatoes, in 1-inch chunks ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. dry oregano ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. dry cumin
- 3/4 c. dry white wine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 c. pitted black olives ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen peas ⓘ
Instructions
- Simmer the chicken in oil for 15 minutes, then remove from pan.
- Add garlic, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper to the pan and cook for 4 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce or chopped tomatoes, potatoes, spices, white wine, raisins, and olives to the pan.
- Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for about 35 minutes until cooked through.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until peas are done.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices and wine for a few hours or overnight. You can substitute the raisins with dried apricots or cranberries for a different sweetness. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use chickpeas instead of chicken and vegetable broth instead of white wine. Adding a splash of lime juice can brighten the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cuban Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. This dish also pairs beautifully with Dried Fruit Compote for a sweet contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Cuban Chicken to cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cuban Chicken contains roughly 962 calories, with 41g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (82% of the Daily Value), iron (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 813mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time since it will cook faster. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through before serving.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this Cuban Chicken recipe is not spicy. The flavors come from the herbs and vegetables. However, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.
What can I serve with Cuban Chicken?
Cuban Chicken pairs well with rice, black beans, or plantains for a traditional touch. A light salad or roasted vegetables can also complement the dish nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).