Chicken Ropa Vieja is a delicious twist on the classic Cuban dish traditionally made with beef. This version uses shredded chicken, making it lighter yet still full of flavor. The dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a medley of spices. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a hearty, savory dish that’s perfect served over rice or with warm tortillas. It’s a fantastic option for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish at a gathering.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, then shred the meat using two forks.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and tomato paste, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, olives, capers, bay leaves, and shredded chicken. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened.
- Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaves, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve the Chicken Ropa Vieja over rice, with tortillas, or alongside your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy the robust flavors of this comforting and hearty dish!
