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Vaca Frita de Pollo (Cuban Crispy Fried Chicken)

Vaca Frita de Pollo is a classic Cuban dish made of shredded chicken marinated in a garlicky citrus mojo, then pan-fried until golden and crispy. The poaching process keeps the meat tender, while the high-heat sear provides a satisfying crunch. It pairs perfectly with rice, black beans, and sweet plantains.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Marinating Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
 

Mojo Marinade

  • 1 tablespoon garlic grated or minced
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Chicken

  • 1 pound chicken breast
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 yellow onion sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil canola or vegetable

Instructions

Mojo Marinade

  • Whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade.
    1 tablespoon garlic, ½ cup orange juice, ¼ cup lime juice, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon cumin, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Set aside in the fridge until ready to use.

Chicken

  • Place the chicken in a medium saucepan and cover with chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is completely immersed, about 2 cups.
    1 pound chicken breast, 2 cups chicken broth
  • Bring the broth to a boil over high heat then cover and lower the heat to low and allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the thickest part of the chicken has reached 165°F.
  • Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using your hands or two forks.

Vaca Frita de Pollo

  • Add the shredded chicken, sliced onions, salt, and mojo marinade to a medium mixing bowl. Toss to combine and let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes.
    1 yellow onion
  • Heat your oil in a large, non-stick skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken and onions to the skillet and spread out into an even layer.
    2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for the liquid to cook out and for the chicken and onions to get browned and crispy.
  • Flip the chicken to the other side and let brown for another 2-3 minutes. If you can’t flip it, just stir the chicken, letting it sit and cook for about 30 seconds between stirs until the chicken is all browned.
  • Once all the chicken is browned, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the chicken with Cuban rice and beans, plantains, and enjoy!

Notes

Note: You can also rotisserie chicken for this instead of cooking your own chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Vaca Frita de Pollo (Cuban Crispy Fried Chicken)
Amount per Serving
Calories
285.5
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
17
g
26
%
Cholesterol
 
75
mg
25
%
Sodium
 
1262.5
mg
55
%
Potassium
 
250
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
7.5
g
3
%
Fiber
 
0.5
g
2
%
Sugar
 
5.75
g
6
%
Protein
 
22.5
g
45
%
Vitamin C
 
35.75
mg
43
%
Iron
 
-2
mg
-11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.