Chicken Ropa Vieja

Transport your taste buds to the flavors of Cuba with this vibrant Chicken Ropa Vieja! A delightful twist on the traditional beef version, this recipe features tender shredded chicken simmered in a rich, smoky tomato sauce infused with bold spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a touch of briny green olives bring layers of complexity and authenticity to this comforting dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it comes together in under an hour and pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, warm tortillas, or crusty bread. Whether you're seeking a crowd-pleasing meal or exploring new flavors, this Chicken Ropa Vieja recipe delivers a savory, satisfying experience every time. Keywords: Chicken Ropa Vieja, Cuban-inspired, shredded chicken recipe, easy dinner ideas.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 14-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 0.5 cup pitted green olives, sliced
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.

Step 9

Add the sliced green olives and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped cilantro (if using) and serve your Chicken Ropa Vieja over white rice, with a side of tortillas, or as a filling for a hearty sandwich!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2030.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1971.7

Total Fat 87.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.1g
Cholesterol 586.3mg	0%
Sodium 5895.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 66.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.9g	0%
Total Sugars 33.1g
Protein 227.9g	0%

Vitamin D 6.8IU	0%
Calcium 444.5mg	0%
Iron 17.5mg	0%
Potassium 4173.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.9%

Protein: 46.5%

Carbs: 13.6%