Last Updated on July 18, 2023
Whether you are a chicken fry lover or curry, you must love Pollo Tropical Chicken. This tasty American recipe is highly popular among all States, and it has become a staple dish in many homes.
Do you know that making Pollo Tropical Chicken at home is quite effortless? You can make this delicious recipe in no time with few ingredients.
In this article, we will discuss everything from the taste of Pollo Tropical Chicken to how to store it. So, let us get started!
What is Pollo Tropical Chicken?
Pollo Tropical Chicken is a traditional Latin dish made with marinated cut chicken pieces that are cooked in a spicy tomato sauce with pepper, garlic, cilantro, and pineapple juice. It is a unique combination of flavors that tastes savory and spicy.
What does it taste like?
Pollo Tropical Chicken has a savory flavor with subtle citric notes from the lime juice and tomato sauce used to marinate the chicken. The garlic, cilantro, and cumin give the dish a delicious aroma.
How did I first get introduced to the Pollo Tropical Chicken?
I was first introduced to Pollo Tropical Chicken by my friend’s mom who works in the popular restaurant, Pollo Tropical. She used to cook this dish for us and it quickly became one of our favorites. Since then, I have been making this recipe at home for my family and friends on special occasions.
How to make Pollo Tropical Chicken?
Making Pollo Tropical Chicken at home is easy and delicious. This recipe yields flavorful, juicy chicken that will make your taste buds happy! Here’s how to make it:
You can also checkout the following Appetizer Recipe :
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cut up Chicken Pieces
- 1 cup Pineapple Juice
- 1 tablespoon Cumin
- Salt & freshly ground Black Pepper
- White Pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh Garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh Cilantro Leaves
- 4 cups Sour Orange Juice
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 Jalapeño Pepper
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of pineapple juice, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic, and cilantro leaves for about an hour.
Step 2
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sour orange juice. Bring it to a simmer and reduce the heat to low.
Step 3
Add the chicken pieces (along with their marinade) to the simmering orange juice. Add the oregano, jalapeño pepper, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4
Cover and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with your favorite sides.
Tips
- Make sure to use sour orange juice for this recipe. It gives the dish a unique flavor that cannot be replicated with regular orange juice.
- Marinating the chicken overnight will make it even more flavorful.
- If you don’t have access to sour oranges, try using lime or lemon juice instead.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cut up Chicken Pieces
- 1 cup Pineapple Juice
- 1 tablespoon Cumin
- Salt & freshly ground Black Pepper
- White Pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh Garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh Cilantro Leaves
- 4 cups Sour Orange Juice
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 Jalapeño Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of pineapple juice, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic, and cilantro leaves for about an hour.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sour orange juice. Bring it to a simmer and reduce the heat to low.
- Add the chicken pieces (along with their marinade) to the simmering orange juice. Add the oregano, jalapeño pepper, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with your favorite sides.
Video
Notes
- Make sure to use sour orange juice for this recipe. It gives the dish a unique flavor that cannot be replicated with regular orange juice.
- Marinating the chicken overnight will make it even more flavorful.
- If you don’t have access to sour oranges, try using lime or lemon juice instead.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
Pollo Tropical Chicken is a great source of protein and iron. It contains approximately:
- 200 calories per serving,
- 14 grams of fat,
- 10 grams of carbohydrates,
- 20 grams of protein.
What to serve with Pollo Tropical Chicken?
This dish pairs well with white rice, plantains, fried plantains, or boiled yucca. For a light side dish, you can serve it with a salad made with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. Also, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is a nice accompaniment to the Pollo Tropical Chicken.
How to store leftover Pollo Tropical Chicken?
Leftover Pollo Tropical Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure that the chicken is heated through before serving. Besides, make sure to discard any marinade that was used in the recipe.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat this dish as long as they follow proper food safety guidelines. The chicken should be cooked thoroughly until it’s no longer pink in the center and all marinades should be discarded when storing leftovers. Additionally, pregnant women should consult their doctor before consuming any foods that may contain risk factors.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for at least an hour or up to overnight. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your Pollo Tropical Chicken will be!
What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
The best way to reheat Pollo Tropical Chicken is in the oven or on the stovetop. If using the oven, preheat it to 350F and bake for 15 minutes or until heated through. For the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add your chicken. Cover with a lid and warm until heated through.
Can I use regular orange juice instead of sour orange juice?
Yes, you can use regular orange juice but it won’t give the same flavor as the sour oranges. If you don’t have access to sour oranges, try substituting them with lime or lemon juice instead.
Wrapping Up
Pollo Tropical Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that makes an excellent entree for any occasion. Marinating the chicken in pineapple juice, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic, and cilantro leaves will give it a unique flavor that can’t be beaten.
Serve with your favorite sides or as part of a larger meal – the possibilities are endless!
Try your hand at Pollo Tropical Chicken and enjoy the amazing flavors it brings to the table. Also, share this recipe with your family and friends if you found it helpful! Thank you for your time.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
