30 of The Best Puerto Rican Chicken Recipes

Puerto Rican chicken recipes are a delicious and flavorful way to spice up your dinner routine. Known for its use of bold spices and fresh ingredients, Puerto Rican cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African, Taino, and American influences. The use of sofrito, a blend of herbs and aromatics such as garlic, onion, cilantro, and peppers, is a staple in many Puerto Rican dishes, including those featuring chicken.

One popular Puerto Rican chicken recipe is arroz con pollo, which translates to “rice with chicken.” This one-pot meal combines chicken, rice, and vegetables such as peas, carrots, and bell peppers cooked in a fragrant broth of tomato sauce, chicken stock, and spices. It's an easy, comforting, and satisfying dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd.

Another beloved Puerto Rican chicken recipe is pollo guisado, which means “stewed chicken.” In this dish, chicken pieces are browned in a caldero or deep skillet before being simmered with sofrito, tomato sauce, olives, capers, and potatoes until tender and flavorful. It's typically served with white rice, beans, tostones, and fried plantains.

If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, try making chicharrones de pollo or “chicken bites.” This crispy and juicy chicken dish is seasoned with adobo, a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and other spices, and then fried until golden brown. It's often served with a side of hot sauce or mayoketchup, a condiment made of mayo and ketchup.

No matter which Puerto Rican chicken recipe you choose to make, you're sure to enjoy the vibrant flavors and comforting aromas of this cuisine.

You might enjoy these recipes:

What are the Puerto Rican Chicken Recipes?

Sopa de Pollo

Sopa de Pollo is a classic Puerto Rican soup with chicken, potatoes, carrots, and a flavorful broth. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting meal.

Pollo Guisado (Puerto Rican Chicken Stew)

Pollo Guisado is a delicious stew made with chicken, potatoes, and vegetables that’s slowly simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s great served over white rice or with rice and beans.

Arroz con Pollo (Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice)

Arroz con Pollo is a classic Puerto Rican dish made with chicken, rice, vegetables, and flavorful spices. It’s great served on its own or with a side of hot sauce or mayoketchup, a condiment made of mayo and ketchup.

Pollo al Horno (Puerto Rican Baked Chicken)

Pollo al Horno is a Puerto Rican classic in which chicken is marinated in spices and herbs, then roasted until crispy and juicy. It’s also great served with white rice and beans or over mashed potatoes. Enjoy! –

Chicharrones de Pollo (Puerto Rican Fried Chicken)

Chicharrones de Pollo is a Puerto Rican favorite that combines fried chicken with sofrito and spices to create a flavorful dish. It’s best served with fried plantains, white rice, beans, or a side salad.

Pollo Asado (Puerto Rican Grilled Chicken)

Pollo Asado is grilled chicken marinated with adobo, garlic, and onions. It’s great served over a bed of lettuce or in tacos with warm tortillas, cilantro, diced onion, and avocado slices.

Pollo Fricassee (Puerto Rican Chicken Fricassee)

Pollo Fricassee is a traditional Puerto Rican stew made with chicken, potatoes, peppers, and vegetables. It’s cooked in a tomato-based sauce to create a flavorful dish that’s best enjoyed over white rice or mashed potatoes.

Pollo a la Criolla (Puerto Rican Creole Chicken)

Pollo a la Criolla is cooked with peppers, onions, garlic, and tomatoes to create a flavorful sauce. The chicken is usually marinated in a citrus-based mixture before being cooked in the sauce. It’s great served over white rice or mashed potatoes and can be accompanied by other vegetables such as carrots, peas, corn, and zucchini.

Pollo en Escabeche (Puerto Rican Pickled Chicken)

Pollo en Escabeche is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with stewed chicken breast cooked in a white wine vinegar marinade. The chicken is typically combined with onions, garlic, peppers, cilantro, and spices to create a unique flavor that pairs well with rice or mashed potatoes.

Mofongo de Pollo (Puerto Rican Chicken Mofongo)

Mofongo de Pollo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with mashed plantains combined with fried chicken and garlic. The plantains are mashed together with pork cracklings or bacon and flavored with garlic, onion, peppers, cilantro, olive oil, and spices to create a unique flavor that pairs well with other traditional Puerto Rican dishes.

Pollo en Salsa (Puerto Rican Chicken in Tomato Sauce)

Pollo en Salsa is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with chicken, tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, cilantro, and olives simmered in a tomato-based sauce. The combination of the sweet tomatoes and spicy seasonings creates an incredibly flavorful dish that pairs well with white rice or mashed potatoes.

Pollo al Ajillo (Puerto Rican Garlic Chicken)

Pollo al Ajillo is a classic Puerto Rican dish of chicken cooked in garlic, olive oil, and white wine. The chicken is seared to create a crispy skin before being simmered with the flavorful sauce. Serve this comforting yet light dish with steamed rice or mashed plantains for a delicious meal.

Pollo Guayanes (Puerto Rican Chicken with Yucca)

Pollo Guayanes is a tasty dish made with chicken, yucca, and bell peppers simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. The addition of yucca adds an extra boost of flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet tomatoes and savory seasonings.

Pollo en Cerveza (Puerto Rican Beer Chicken)

Pollo en Cerveza is a classic Puerto Rican dish of chicken simmered in beer with spices and vegetables. The beer adds a subtle flavor to the dish while also keeping the chicken moist and tender. Enjoy this flavorful stew with steamed rice or mashed potatoes for a delicious meal!

Pinchos (Puerto Rican Chicken Skewers)

Pinchos is a delicious chicken dish that’s marinated overnight in garlic, oregano, cumin, vinegar, and olive oil. The chicken is then slow-cooked over open flames to give it an incredibly smoky flavor. It’s the perfect meal for any barbecue or family gathering!

Pollo en Sofrito (Puerto Rican Chicken in Sofrito Sauce)

This mouthwatering Pollo en Sofrito combines the flavors of garlic, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes to make a delicious sofrito sauce. The chicken is then cooked in this flavorful sauce until it’s tender and juicy. It’s a great way to add some zest to your weeknight dinners!

Pollo con Arroz y Gandules (Puerto Rican Chicken with Rice and Pigeon Peas)

This classic Pollo con Arroz y Gandules is a staple of the islands. It combines chicken, rice, and pigeon peas cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. The combination is hearty and delicious – perfect for feeding a crowd! Serve it with some freshly made sweet plantains for an extra-special touch.

Pollo al Limón (Puerto Rican Lemon Chicken)

Pollo al Limón is a great way to enjoy some zingy lemon flavor. The chicken is marinated with fresh lime juice, garlic, onion, cilantro, and oregano before being pan-fried until golden brown. Enjoy it with some white rice and a side salad for a delicious dinner!

Sopa de Pollo Boricua (Puerto Rican Chicken Soup)

This comforting Sopa de Pollo Boricua is a great meal for chilly days. The broth is made with onions, garlic, peppers, and tomatoes and seasoned with cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. Chicken pieces are added to the broth before it simmers away until the chicken is cooked through.

Pollo a la Plancha (Puerto Rican Grilled Chicken Breast)

This simple yet delicious Pollo a la Plancha is sure to please. The chicken breasts are marinated in a mix of garlic, olive oil, and spices before being grilled until golden brown and juicy. Serve with some warm tortillas and your favorite sides for a filling meal!

Pollo al Jengibre (Puerto Rican Ginger Chicken)

Pollo al Jengibre is a flavorful and aromatic dish that features pieces of chicken baked in a ginger-infused sauce. The sauce is made with garlic, onion, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and of course, ginger.

Tostones con Pollo (Puerto Rican Chicken with Plantain Chips)

For a unique twist on traditional chicken dishes, try this Tostones con Pollo. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful combination of garlic, ginger, and spices before being fried until crispy.

Pollo con Fideos (Puerto Rican Chicken with Noodles)

This traditional Pollo con Fideos is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The chicken is cooked in a savory sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and spices before being served over noodles. Top with some freshly chopped cilantro for added flavor. Enjoy!

Pollo con Piña (Puerto Rican Chicken with Pineapple)

This sweet and savory Pollo con Piña is sure to become a family favorite. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a rich sauce of pineapple, peppers, onion, garlic, and spices. Serve over steamed vegetables or hot cooked rice for an easy yet delicious meal.

Empanadas De Pollo

Empanadas De Pollo are a popular Puerto Rican dish that consists of savory pastry filled with spiced chicken. Empanadas De Pollo can be enjoyed as a snack or as a meal, and they are often served with a variety of sauces and dips, such as salsa verde or creole sauce. The crispy, flaky exterior of the empanada pairs perfectly with the juicy and seasoned chicken filling, making this dish a favorite among Puerto Rican cuisine.

Puerto Rican Dip de Pollo

Puerto Rican Dip de Pollo, also known as chicken dip in English, is a creamy and delicious appetizer that is perfect for parties and gatherings. Puerto Rican Dip de Pollo can be customized to suit individual tastes, with some people adding spicy peppers or chopped vegetables for added flavor and texture. This dip is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make and always disappears quickly!

Asopao de Pollo

Asopao de Pollo is a popular Puerto Rican dish that combines the flavors of chicken, rice, and a variety of vegetables in a hearty and flavorful soup. Asopao de Pollo is often garnished with chopped cilantro and served hot alongside slices of crusty bread or crackers.

This dish's warm and comforting flavors make it a favorite in Puerto Rican cuisine, especially during the year's cooler months.

Pollo Frito

Pollo Frito, also known as fried chicken in English, is a popular dish enjoyed in many different parts of the world, including Puerto Rico. Pollo Frito can be served as a main dish, paired with sides such as rice and beans, salad, or fried plantains. It's also a great option for picnics, potlucks, and informal gatherings since it can be eaten cold or at room temperature.

Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal, Pollo Frito is a classic and delicious dish that is sure to satisfy any craving for comfort food.

Ripe Plantain-Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ripe Plantain-Stuffed Chicken Breast is a mouthwatering Puerto Rican dish that brings together the sweet and savory flavors of ripe plantains and tender chicken. Ripe Plantain-Stuffed Chicken Breast pairs perfectly with rice, beans, or a fresh salad, making it a complete and satisfying meal that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This dish is a classic in Puerto Rican cuisine and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Delicious Puerto Rican Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs

Delicious Puerto Rican Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs is a classic dish that combines the flavors of citrus, garlic, and spices to create a juicy and flavorful main course. This dish is perfect for family dinners, parties, or any occasion where you want to serve a simple yet delicious meal. It pairs perfectly with rice, beans, salad, or grilled vegetables, making it a versatile and satisfying option for any mealtime.

Puerto Rican Style Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe

Puerto Rican Style Whole Roasted Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This classic recipe features a whole chicken marinated in orange juice, garlic, and spices, then roasted until it is tender and juicy. Serve with your favorite sides for an easy but delicious meal that everyone will love.

Puerto Rican Style Chicken Wings

Puerto Rican Style Chicken Wings is a mouthwatering dish that combines the zesty and bold flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with the classic crispy texture of chicken wings. This dish can be served with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a homemade aioli.

Puerto Rican Style Chicken Wings are perfect for game day or any casual gathering and are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

Fried Chicken Wings In Escabeche

Fried Chicken Wings in Escabeche is a delicious Puerto Rican dish that combines the crispy texture of fried chicken wings with the tangy and slightly sweet taste of escabeche sauce. This dish can be served as an appetizer or main course and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

The tangy and slightly sweet escabeche sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy and juicy chicken wings, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Puerto Rican Tacos

Puerto Rican Tacos are a flavorful and unique twist on classic tacos. This dish combines the zesty and bold flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with the familiar concept of tacos, resulting in a delicious and exciting meal. Puerto Rican Tacos are versatile and customizable dishes that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences.

You can substitute the meat for chicken or use a vegetarian alternative and play around with different toppings and spices to create a unique flavor profile. This dish is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun and festive party.