- **Chicken Breast**: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- **Onion**: Finely chopped onions add a sweet flavor to the dish.
- **Green Bell Pepper**: Add some color with sliced green bell peppers; they also contribute vitamins and minerals.
- **Tomato Paste**: Enhances the tomato flavor without adding too much liquid.
- **Beef Broth**: Use low-sodium beef broth for better control over sodium content. It helps keep the dish moist and flavorful.
- **Paprika**: For a smoky, rich flavor; use sweet or hot according to your preference.
- **Oregano**: Adds an aromatic and slightly minty taste to balance other ingredients.
- **Salt & Pepper**: Essential for seasoning; adjust to personal taste preferences.
- **Cubed Beef (Optional)**: If using ropa vieja style, add some beef cubes for a more traditional flavor profile. This ingredient is optional depending on your desired authenticity level.
- **Red Bell Pepper**: Sliced red bell peppers can be added for color and additional nutrients.
- **Aromatics (Garlic & Cilantro)**: These are often used in Latin American cuisine; finely chop garlic and add fresh cilantro leaves towards the end for a burst of flavor.
- **Worcestershire Sauce**: Enhances umami flavors without overpowering the dish. It’s optional but recommended for depth.
- **Sour Orange Juice (Optional)**: For a more authentic taste, use freshly squeezed sour orange juice; it gives a unique tangy finish.
Remember to adjust quantities based on your serving size and preferences.
Steps
### How to Make Delicious Chicken Ropa Vieja: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chicken ropa vieja is a classic Filipino dish that combines shredded marinated chicken with a savory tomato sauce. This recipe provides detailed steps to prepare this flavorful meal using SEO-friendly formatting and relevant keywords for better readability.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or as needed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground beef or pork (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 cups beef broth (or water)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (additional for marinating)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
- Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, oregano, paprika, and minced garlic to make the marinade.
- Add the chicken strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step helps tenderize the meat.
2. **Cooking the Sauce:**
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the ground beef or pork (if using) until browned, then remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Cook the garlic and onion for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but are still crisp.
3. **Combine and Simmer:**
- Pour in the beef broth, bay leaves, remaining soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
4. **Cook the Chicken:**
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Add the marinated chicken strips to the sauce and cook until they are thoroughly heated through but still tender.
- Stir in the previously cooked ground beef or pork, if using.
5. **Final Touches:**
- Let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure all flavors are well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce or brown sugar depending on your preference.
6. **Serve:**
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
#### SEO Tips:
- Use descriptive titles like "Chicken Ropa Vieja Recipe" to attract search engines and users.
- Include keywords such as "chicken ropa vieja," "Filipino dish," "tender chicken strips," and "savory sauce."
- Provide detailed steps and cooking times for better readability and SEO optimization.
By following these detailed, well-formatted instructions, you can easily make a delicious chicken ropa vieja that will impress your family and friends!