Fricase de Pollo

Fricase de Pollo is a traditional Cuban chicken stew that brings together the rich flavors of tender, slow-cooked chicken thighs, tangy citrus marinade, and a savory tomato and wine sauce. The addition of olives, carrots, and potatoes makes it a hearty and fulfilling dish, perfect for family dinners or when you’re craving comfort food.

What makes this dish stand out is its balance of flavors – the zesty citrus marinade, earthy spices, and aromatic vegetables blend harmoniously. Serve it with white rice and tostones for a complete and satisfying meal that will transport you straight to a cozy dinner in Havana.

Full Recipe:

Chicken Marinade:

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

Chicken Fricassee:

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, 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
13-15 green olives
1 cup chicken stock
2 carrots, cut into chunks
5-6 baby potatoes, halved (or 2 large potatoes cut into chunks)

Directions:

Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken with all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, in the refrigerator.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and sear on both sides until golden brown. Remove to a plate.
Make the Sauce: Add onion and bell peppers to the same pot, sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add garlic, cook for an additional minute. Reduce heat to medium and add tomato sauce, reserved marinade, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Cook for 5 minutes. Stir in white wine and olives, cook for another 2 minutes.
Stew the Chicken: Add chicken stock and mix well. Return chicken to the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Add Vegetables: Add carrots, stir, spoon sauce over the chicken, cover, and cook for another 15 minutes. Then, add potatoes, cover, and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. If a thicker sauce is desired, cook uncovered to reduce to desired consistency.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 65 minutes | Total Time: 80 minutes
Kcal: 394 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings

Origins and Cultural Significance

Fricase de Pollo, also known as Cuban Chicken Fricassee, is a beloved dish rooted in Cuban and Latin Caribbean cuisine. This stew-like dish is a fusion of Spanish and African influences, a testament to Cuba’s multicultural heritage. It’s traditionally made with chicken braised in a sauce flavored by citrus, tomato, wine, and aromatic spices, resulting in a meal that is full of rich and comforting flavors. This dish is a staple in Cuban households and is often served at family gatherings or special occasions, symbolizing warmth and togetherness.

Flavor Profile and Components

The beauty of Fricase de Pollo lies in its layers of flavors and textures:

Tangy and Zesty Citrus Marinade: The use of orange and lime juice in the marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a delightful tang that penetrates through the meat.
Savory and Rich Tomato & Wine Sauce: The sauce in this dish is made by combining the reserved marinade with tomato sauce, dry white wine, and seasonings. The result is a sauce that’s both savory and slightly acidic, complementing the chicken’s flavor perfectly.
Aromatic Herbs and Spices: Cumin, oregano, and paprika provide a warm earthiness, while the bay leaves add a hint of floral notes to the dish.
Green Olives for Brininess: A key ingredient in Latin stews, green olives lend a slight saltiness and briny depth to the dish, enhancing its savory profile.
Hearty Vegetables: The addition of carrots and potatoes not only makes the dish heartier but also absorbs the flavors of the stew, making each bite comforting and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Fricase de Pollo is best served with simple accompaniments that allow its flavors to shine. Here are some serving suggestions:

White Rice: The most traditional way to serve this dish is over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up the savory tomato and wine sauce, making every bite satisfying.
Tostones or Maduros: Fried green plantains (tostones) add a crispy texture, while ripe plantains (maduros) provide a sweet contrast to the savory stew.
Cilantro Lime Rice: For an extra pop of flavor, serve it with cilantro lime rice to add a fresh and herby touch to the meal.
Cuban Black Beans: For a fuller feast, add a side of Cuban black beans for a traditional pairing that complements the chicken stew wonderfully.

Adaptations and Tips for the Perfect Fricase de Pollo

Use Dark Meat Chicken: The traditional choice for this dish is bone-in, skinless chicken thighs as they remain moist and tender when simmered for long periods. However, boneless thighs, drumsticks, or leg quarters can also work well.
Marinate Overnight for Best Flavor: To truly enhance the flavors, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. The citrus marinade infuses the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the stew uncovered towards the end to reduce the sauce to your desired consistency.
Variations and Add-Ins: Add capers for an extra briny kick or some peas, mushrooms, or green beans to increase the veggie content. For a bit of heat, throw in some red chili flakes or sliced jalapenos.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Fricase de Pollo is an ideal make-ahead dish, as the flavors develop and deepen over time. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigeration: Store the stew in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld together, making the dish even more delicious the next day.
Freezing: Fricase de Pollo freezes well for up to 3-4 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop, adding a dash of water or broth if needed.

Nutritional Information

Fricase de Pollo is a relatively balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, complex carbs from the potatoes, and a mix of healthy fats:

Calories: Approximately 394 kcal per serving
Protein: 31g
Total Fat: 20g (mostly unsaturated fats from olive oil)
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 7g
Sodium: 861mg

A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

This Cuban Chicken Fricassee is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different ways. It makes for a comforting weeknight dinner but can also be a showstopper at gatherings. The flavors are familiar yet exotic, appealing to a wide range of palates. Whether you’re craving something hearty, looking for a taste of Cuban cuisine, or need a dish to impress your guests, Fricase de Pollo is sure to delight.

The History and Cultural Influence of Fricase de Pollo

Fricase de Pollo is a dish with deep roots in Cuban culinary history. It’s a Cuban version of a French classic, “Fricassée,” which typically refers to a method of cooking meat (often chicken) that’s braised and served in its sauce. This dish made its way to Cuba during the period of Spanish colonization, when European cooking techniques blended with local Caribbean flavors, spices, and ingredients.

This fusion of French culinary techniques and Cuban flavors resulted in a dish that represents both tradition and innovation. Over time, Fricase de Pollo became a staple comfort food in Cuban households, particularly in family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and festive occasions. It’s a dish that embodies the heart and soul of Cuban cooking – simple, flavorful, and meant to be shared.

The Unique Marinade: Citrus Punch and Tender Meat

One of the key features of Fricase de Pollo is its marinade, a blend of orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Citrus marinades are very common in Cuban cuisine and help to tenderize the meat while imparting a fresh, zesty flavor. This citrusy marinade not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist during the long, slow-cooking process. The slight acidity from the citrus breaks down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in tender meat that’s juicy and flavorful.

An alternative twist is using a “Mojo Marinade”, which is another traditional Cuban marinade made with sour orange juice, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. This adds an even bolder flavor to the chicken and is perfect for those who enjoy a more garlicky and fragrant taste.

Choosing the Right Wine for the Sauce

The wine plays a crucial role in building the depth of flavor in the sauce. Dry white wine is the most commonly used in this dish as it adds acidity and a subtle fruitiness that balances the richness of the tomato sauce and the earthiness of the spices. However, if you’re looking to change things up, you can use red wine for a heartier and deeper flavor profile. The wine also helps deglaze the pan after sautéing the onions and peppers, which ensures that all those flavorful browned bits from searing the chicken are incorporated into the sauce.

If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the wine with additional chicken broth, though the flavor won’t be as complex. You can enhance the flavor with a splash of balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar to mimic the acidity provided by the wine.

The Heartiness of the Stew – Potatoes and Carrots

The inclusion of potatoes and carrots is what makes Fricase de Pollo a one-pot wonder. The starchy potatoes soak up the flavors of the sauce while providing a comforting, hearty texture. Carrots add a touch of natural sweetness and color, making the dish even more visually appealing. The stew itself is thickened as the potatoes release their starches into the sauce, resulting in a rich, hearty consistency.

For an even more complete meal, some versions of this recipe also add peas, green beans, or sweet peppers for extra color, nutrition, and flavor.

The Role of Olives and Seasonings

The green olives used in Fricase de Pollo bring a burst of brininess to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor and giving it a distinctively Cuban taste. These olives add a sharp and salty contrast to the sweetness of the vegetables and the richness of the sauce. If you want to explore a more briny flavor, consider adding capers, which introduce a tangy kick that pairs well with the citrus-marinated chicken.

The use of oregano, cumin, paprika, and bay leaves are typical of Cuban and Latin American stews, lending the dish its aromatic and earthy flavor profile. Oregano brings a mild peppery taste, while cumin provides warmth and depth. Paprika adds a hint of smoky sweetness, and bay leaves infuse a subtle herbal aroma as the dish simmers.

Serving Suggestions for an Authentic Cuban Experience

To give your Fricase de Pollo an authentic Cuban experience, consider pairing it with these sides:

Moro Rice (Congri): A blend of rice and black beans cooked together with spices, which is a traditional Cuban side that enhances the flavors of the fricassee.
Yuca con Mojo: Yuca (cassava) root boiled and drizzled with a citrus-garlic mojo sauce. Its creamy texture and garlicky flavor make it a delicious side dish that complements the chicken stew.
Cuban Salad: A refreshing salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a simple lime vinaigrette adds a crisp and fresh contrast to the richness of the stew.

Variations Across Latin America

Fricase de Pollo is not just confined to Cuba; variations of chicken fricassee exist throughout the Caribbean and Latin America:

Puerto Rican Fricase de Pollo: Similar to the Cuban version but often includes sofrito (a blend of onions, peppers, cilantro, and garlic) as the flavor base and may include sweet peas or raisins for a slightly sweet touch.
Dominican Pollo Guisado: In the Dominican Republic, the fricase becomes a bit lighter, often seasoned with vinegar and soy sauce for an added layer of flavor.
Filipino Chicken Asado: Influenced by Spanish cuisine, Filipino Chicken Asado shares similarities with the Cuban version but may include pineapple juice in the marinade for a sweeter finish.

Tips for Making the Perfect Fricase de Pollo

Sear the Chicken Well: To get the most flavor out of your chicken, sear it until it’s golden brown before adding it to the sauce. This caramelizes the chicken’s natural sugars and locks in its juices.
Use a Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot: The best results come from using a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven. It retains heat well and ensures even cooking, which is important when simmering the stew for a long time.
Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce as you go! The perfect Fricase de Pollo has a balanced flavor of tangy, savory, and briny notes. Adjust the salt, spices, and acidity to match your preference.

A Family-Friendly Dish That Gets Better Over Time

Fricase de Pollo is not just about the first bite – it’s about how the flavors develop over time. This dish is one of those stews that tastes even better the next day, as the chicken absorbs all the aromatic spices and tangy sauce. It’s a perfect dish to make ahead for meal planning or to enjoy as leftovers throughout the week.

Health Benefits

While being deliciously hearty and comforting, Fricase de Pollo is also a balanced dish that can fit into various dietary preferences:

High Protein: With chicken as the main ingredient, this stew is high in lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals: The inclusion of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes makes this dish rich in vitamins A, C, potassium, and dietary fiber.
Low Sugar: With no added sugars, this dish is great for those looking to reduce their sugar intake while still enjoying a flavorful meal.

Conclusion

Fricase de Pollo is a flavorful and comforting Cuban chicken stew that blends tangy citrus, rich tomato and wine sauce, and warm spices. This dish not only carries cultural significance but also offers a versatile and hearty meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Easy to customize and perfect for making ahead, it’s an authentic taste of Cuba that brings together simplicity, flavor, and tradition on one plate. Whether you serve it with rice, plantains, or a fresh salad, Fricase de Pollo is sure to be a favorite for any occasion.