Pollo Frito(Fried Chicken)
Crispy, flavorful fried chicken with aromatic seasonings and a savory broth, perfect for hearty family dinners or special gatherings. Juicy inside with a golden crust.
Ingredients
- 1 fryer chicken, about 2 1/2 lb., cut into generous bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed or 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder (optional)
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- Vegetable oil for frying ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 medium stewing chicken, about 2 1/2 lb., cut into serving pieces ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled ⓘ
- 4 whole peppercorns ⓘ
- Salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 3 sprigs fresh parsley
- Medium potatoes, halved and quartered ⓘ
- Small onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sofrito ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse chicken pieces under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Put the garlic, peppercorns, salt, and oregano into a mortar and pound until crushed.
- Rub this seasoning thoroughly into the chicken pieces, including the liver, gizzard, and neck.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crispy exterior, consider double-dipping the chicken pieces in the flour after the first coating. You can also substitute the olive oil with canola oil for a more neutral flavor. If you're short on time, garlic powder can replace fresh garlic, and you might add a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Explore more chicken recipes for creative variations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried chicken hot with a side of coleslaw or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Lew'S Sauteed Chicken Livers for a hearty feast. Consider adding a fresh garden salad or cornbread for a complete Southern-style spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pollo Frito(Fried Chicken) contains roughly 439 calories, with 11g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2096mg per serving (91% 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 skinless chicken for this recipe?
While you can use skinless chicken, the skin adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy during frying. If you prefer skinless, be sure to marinate the chicken well in the seasoning to enhance its taste.
What can I do if I don't have fresh garlic?
If fresh garlic isn't available, you can substitute it with garlic powder. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove needed. This will still impart a good garlic flavor to the dish.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
To check if the oil is ready, you can drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and turns golden brown in about 60 seconds, the oil is hot enough. Alternatively, use a thermometer; the oil should be around 350°F (175°C) for frying.
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).