Cuban Fried Chicken Recipes

CUBANSTYLE FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• To make the marinade, place the cumin seeds in a dry pan and toast over medium heat, shaking pan until the seeds' aroma is released; about one minute. Combine the seeds with the garlic, salt and pepper in a mortar and mash with a pestle to create a paste, or process in a mini food processor or blender. In a large bowl, mix the citrus juices, then stir in the paste and combine well. Immerse the chicken pieces in the marinade and allow to sit for three hours or overnight.
• When you're ready to cook the chicken, place the flour on a large plate. Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the bowl and dredge them in the flour; set aside. Heat 1/2" to 3/4" shortening in a large, heavy pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Place chicken in the pan skin side down and fry 8 to 10 minutes per side until lightly browned on all sides. Turn heat to medium low and partially cover pan. Continue cooking, turning frequently until cooked through, about 25 minutes. Remove chicken from oil and place on a platter lined with paper towels to drain.

CUBAN FRIED CHICKEN WITH MOJO SEASONING

Steps:

• To make the mojo, mix onion and garlic, along with the spices, salt and pepper in a bowl. Add these to a pan which has heated olive oil in it. Cook just until onion becomes translucent and then add juice, water, wine and vinegar; simmer about 5 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Sauce yield: 1/2 cup.
• To make the chicken, pierce meat in several places with long fork prongs and place in non-reactive (glass or stainless steel) bowl. Combine garlic and Mojo Seasoning Sauce. Pour mixture over chicken. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for about 1 hour.
• Remove chicken breasts from marinade, pat dry and fry them in olive oil until they are golden brown. Place chicken on serving platter and keep warm. Remove onion and garlic from marinade and brown in same pan. Sprinkle over chicken and garnish with parsley.

CUBAN CHICHARRONES DE POLLO

Steps:

• Cut up the chicken thighs into bite size pieces. Place in a bowl, plastic container with a lid or a large zip bag.
• To make the marinade, add the garlic, onion, lime juice and zest, and rum together in a blender or food processor and pulse until mixture is smooth. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss the chicken pieces, making sure they're all covered in the marinade. Cover and/or seal tight and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to 8 hours.
• In a shallow plate whisk together the flour and seasonings.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or a deep frying pan.
• While the oil is heating up, dredge the chicken pieces through the flour mixture.
• Fry a few pieces of chicken at a time, so that they don't stick together. They should take about 5 minutes before they're cooked through. You might want to cut into a piece to make sure it's no longer pink inside. Continue frying in batches until done.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lime wedges.

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK CUBAN STYLE

Steps:

• In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs with the oregano, cumin, and salt and pepper. Beat eggs in another shallow dish. Dip each steak in beaten eggs, and then in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to cover each steak well with the breadcrumb mixture.
• In a large, deep skillet, heat 1inch oil over medium high heat.
• Place the steaks in the oil when it's hot (so that the breading will not stick to the pan). Cook steaks, turning once, until brown for well done and golden brown for medium. Serve with lemon slices.

BAKED CUBAN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, allspice, onion powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• Heat oil in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces, reserving marinade in the bowl. Pan-fry chicken until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Pour reserved marinade on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven until juices run clear, about 40 minutes.