When you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and easy to make, Easy Cuban Chicken Stew is the perfect choice. This dish is a celebration of Cuban flavors, combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, aromatic broth infused with garlic, citrus, and warm spices. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stew is a one-pot wonder that’s sure to satisfy.

What makes this Cuban Chicken Stew so special is its simplicity and depth of flavor. The chicken is simmered until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, while the vegetables soak up the savory broth, creating a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. The addition of citrus—like lime or sour orange—adds a bright, tangy note that balances the richness of the stew. With ingredients like cumin, oregano, and bay leaves, every bite is a burst of warmth and comfort.

This stew is more than just a meal—it’s a taste of Cuban culture. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or anytime you need a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Serve it with a side of rice, crusty bread, or fried plantains for a complete experience. Whether you’re new to Cuban cuisine or a longtime fan, this Easy Cuban Chicken Stew is a must-try recipe that will transport your taste buds to the Caribbean.

Why This Easy Cuban Chicken Stew?

Selling Points:

• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful broth.
• Easy to Make: A one-pot recipe with minimal prep and hands-off cooking.
• Bold Flavors: Aromatic spices, citrus, and herbs create a uniquely Cuban taste.
• Versatile: Serve with rice, bread, or plantains for a complete meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

What You Need for Easy Cuban Chicken Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lime or sour orange juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup green olives (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

How to Make Easy Cuban Chicken Stew

1. Brown the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Simmer the Stew: Return the chicken to the pot. Add the potatoes, carrots, chicken broth, and lime or sour orange juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Add Olives (Optional): Stir in green olives during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve: Remove bay leaves, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve warm with rice or bread.

Tips for the Perfect Stew

• Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken adds more flavor to the broth.
• Don’t Skip the Citrus: Lime or sour orange juice is key to the authentic Cuban flavor.
• Adjust the Heat: Add a chopped jalapeño or pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice.
• Make It Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• Double the Batch: It freezes well, so make extra for future meals.

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Spicy Version: Add a Scotch bonnet pepper or extra jalapeño.
• Extra Veggies: Include zucchini, celery, or sweet potatoes for more variety.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt.

Make It Healthier

• Skinless Chicken: Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce fat.
• More Vegetables: Add extra veggies like spinach or kale for added nutrients.
• Reduce Oil: Use just 1 teaspoon of olive oil for browning the chicken.

Closing for Easy Cuban Chicken Stew

This Easy Cuban Chicken Stew is a celebration of bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and effortless cooking. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it as a comforting meal, this recipe is a must-try. Don’t forget to let us know how your stew turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Cuban Chicken Stew

1. Can I use boneless chicken?
   Yes, but bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the broth.
2. How long does this stew last in the fridge?
   Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze Cuban chicken stew?
   Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
4. What can I serve with this stew?
   Serve with white rice, crusty bread, or fried plantains.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   Yes, brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
6. Is this stew spicy?
   It’s mildly spiced, but you can add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
7. Can I use store-bought broth?
   Yes, store-bought broth works well, but homemade broth adds extra flavor.
8. What’s the best way to reheat it?
   Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
9. Can I add other meats?
   Yes, pork or beef can be used instead of chicken.
10. Is this recipe authentic?
    Yes, it’s inspired by traditional Cuban stews, with a focus on bold flavors and simple ingredients.

This Easy Cuban Chicken Stew is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try. So, grab your ingredients, heat up your pot, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking!

Easy Cuban Chicken Stew

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tomatoes, diced

• 1 cup potatoes, cubed

• 1 cup carrots, sliced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1/4 cup fresh lime or sour orange juice

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 2 bay leaves

• 1/2 cup green olives (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Directions

• Brown the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
• Simmer the Stew: Return the chicken to the pot. Add the potatoes, carrots, chicken broth, and lime or sour orange juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
• Add Olives (Optional): Stir in green olives during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Serve: Remove bay leaves, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve warm with rice or bread.