Fricasé De Pollo Recipe

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes  

   Prep Time: 25 minutes

Fricasé De Pollo Ingredients

Fricasé De Pollo Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs and drumsticks dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and freshly ground black pepper. Place in a large bowl, cover, and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  2. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken pieces, skin side down, in batches if necessary. Brown the chicken on all sides until golden, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pot, add the finely diced yellow onion, diced green bell pepper, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the dry white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  6. Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken stock, bay leaves, sliced pimento-stuffed green olives, drained capers, and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes. Mix well to combine.
  7. Return the browned chicken and any accumulated juices to the pot, nestling the pieces into the sauce and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  8. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally and check for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
  9. Remove the bay leaves and discard. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as desired.
  10. Sprinkle the finished fricasé de pollo with chopped fresh cilantro and parsley just before serving.

Estimated Calories: 329, Servings: 6

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About Fricasé De Pollo Recipe

Fricasé De Pollo is a classic Cuban dish that brings together the best flavors of the island in one pot. This recipe is known for its delicious, savory sauce and tender chicken, making it a favorite for family dinners. If you're searching for an authentic and homemade meal, this is the perfect choice. The combination of simple ingredients like chicken, potatoes, olives, and tomato sauce creates a tasty and satisfying dish. Learning how to make this easy and quick recipe will transport you straight to a Cuban kitchen.
One of the best things about this Fricasé De Pollo recipe is how easy it is to prepare, even for beginners. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious and hearty meal on the table in no time. The key to achieving the perfect flavor is to use fresh ingredients and follow a few essential tips, such as marinating the chicken and simmering it slowly. This ensures the chicken is juicy and the sauce is rich and flavorful. If you're looking for a quick dinner idea, this recipe is both simple and satisfying.
For those who want to know how to make the best Fricasé De Pollo, it's important to focus on the quality of your ingredients and the cooking process. This authentic Cuban recipe is all about balancing flavors and textures, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and impressive. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or a weeknight meal, these tips will help you achieve the perfect homemade Fricasé De Pollo every time. Enjoy this tasty and easy recipe with rice or crusty bread for a truly delicious experience.

Fricasé De Pollo Story

I remember the first time I made my version of this dish for a small get together at my place. I was feeling pretty confident because I had found what I thought was the best recipe online, and it promised to be both easy and fast. As I was serving it, my friend Carla, who is usually the first to compliment my cooking, took a bite and just stared at her plate for a moment. I braced myself for some good feedback, but instead she burst out laughing and said, "This tastes like my grandmother's, but with a twist I never expected!" I could not tell if that was a great thing or not, but her reaction definitely caught me off guard.
Later that evening, Carla pulled me aside and told me she had always thought of this dish as something heavy and a bit too rich for her taste. She was surprised at how healthy and light mine felt, and she kept asking what I had done differently. I told her I just followed the recipe and tried to keep things simple, but she insisted there was something special about it. It was one of those moments where you realize that even a quick meal can leave a lasting impression, especially when it brings back memories for someone else.
That interaction has really stayed with me. It made me realize that sometimes the most delicious meals are not just about the food itself, but about the memories and feelings they evoke. I never expected such a strong reaction from a dish I thought was just a good, easy weeknight option. Now, every time I make it, I think about Carla and her grandmother, and it reminds me that sharing food is about more than just following a recipe. It is about creating moments that linger long after the last bite.

Fricasé De Pollo Quick Mistake Fixes

One time, I got a little too enthusiastic with the salt shaker while making this dish, and wow, it was a lesson learned. It is so easy to go overboard, especially when you are trying to season quickly and get dinner on the table fast. The best way I have found to fix a too salty situation is to add a splash of water or a bit more of the main ingredients to help balance things out. Sometimes, a squeeze of citrus or a spoonful of something sweet can help mellow out the saltiness, making the meal taste delicious and healthy again. It is always a good idea to taste as you go, even if you are following a great recipe.
There was this one evening when I got distracted and let the dish simmer for too long, and the result was chicken that was way too dry. It is such a bummer because you want everything to be juicy and tender, not tough. I have found that keeping an eye on the cooking time is key, and if things start to look a little dry, adding a bit of broth or water can help bring back some moisture. A good trick is to cover the pot, which helps keep everything steamy and moist, making it easy to serve up a meal that tastes as good as it looks.
Sometimes, even with the best intentions, the flavors just do not pop the way you want. I remember a quick fix that worked wonders for me: right before serving, I tossed in a handful of fresh herbs and a splash of vinegar. It was a great way to brighten things up and make the dish taste more balanced and lively. Making last minute changes like this is easy and can turn a bland meal into something truly delicious. It is all about tasting as you go and not being afraid to adjust things until you get that perfect, healthy, and satisfying flavor.

Storage Tips

When it comes to storage, I always make sure to let my fricasé de pollo cool down to room temperature before popping it in the fridge. I find that using an airtight container is the best way to keep it fresh and prevent any weird fridge smells from sneaking in. If I know I will not get to it within a couple of days, I sometimes portion it out and freeze it, which is a great trick for a quick and easy meal later on. This recipe is so delicious that I like having some on hand for those fast, healthy lunches during the week.Shelf life is something I pay close attention to, especially with a dish as hearty as this. In my experience, fricasé de pollo stays good in the fridge for about three to four days, which is perfect for meal prepping. If I freeze it, it can last up to three months and still taste amazing when I finally get around to eating it. I always label my containers with the date, just to be safe, and that way I never have to guess if it is still good. It is a great way to make sure nothing goes to waste, and I can enjoy this easy, healthy recipe whenever I want.Spoilage signs are something I never ignore, especially with chicken dishes. If I notice any sour smell, slimy texture, or weird color changes, I know it is time to toss it, no matter how delicious it was when I first made it. I have learned that it is better to be safe than sorry, and it is a good habit to check before reheating. This dish is so fast and easy to make again that I never feel bad about starting fresh if something seems off. That way, I always get the best, most delicious results from my favorite recipe.

Healthy Fricasé De Pollo Tips

Let me tell you, when I first tried to make this classic Cuban Fricasé De Pollo recipe a bit healthier, I was skeptical. But wow, with just a few simple swaps, you can keep all that authentic, delicious flavor and still feel great about what you're eating! I always start by using skinless chicken and trimming off any extra fat-trust me, it makes a world of difference for your health without sacrificing taste. Instead of frying, I go for a quick sear in a nonstick pan with just a drizzle of olive oil. That way, you get that perfect golden color and all the tasty goodness, but way less fat. And don't even get me started on the veggies-load up on bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes for a homemade, nutrient-packed base that's both easy and quick to throw together.
Now, here's my best tip for making this the healthiest, most delicious Fricasé De Pollo you've ever had: swap out white potatoes for sweet potatoes or even cauliflower for a lower-carb, fiber-rich twist. I also use low-sodium broth and skip the extra salt, letting those authentic Cuban spices and fresh ingredients shine. If you want to go the extra mile for your health, serve it over brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice-so much more fiber and protein! I promise, with these easy tweaks, you'll have the best, most tasty, and health-conscious version of this classic recipe. It's all about making those little changes that add up to big health benefits, without losing any of that homemade, comforting flavor. Give it a try and see how perfect and guilt-free this dish can be!