Cuban-Style Chicken Picadillo Recipe

If your dinner routine needs a little excitement (and let’s be honest, whose doesn’t?), this Chicken Picadillo is about to shake things up in the best way possible. It’s a one-pan, flavor-packed dish that brings the bold, comforting tastes of Cuba straight to your kitchen—no passport required.

This isn’t just another chicken dinner. We’re talking juicy ground chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce, briny olives, and a perfect mix of warm spices. The result? A beautifully balanced dish with just the right amount of sweet, savory, and tangy goodness.

Serve it over rice, stuff it into tortillas, or just eat it straight out of the pan (I won’t judge). Either way, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite—because who doesn’t love a meal that tastes like it took all day, but actually comes together in a flash?

Time to grab a skillet and make dinner a little more exciting!

Flavorful Ingredients

The heart of Chicken Picadillo lies in its carefully selected ingredients.

Ground chicken serves as the base, offering a lean protein option that absorbs the dish’s vibrant flavors well.

Tomatoes and green bell peppers add a delightful freshness, while green olives introduce a briny note.

Additionally, the inclusion of raisins provides a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory elements.

Spices like cumin and oregano further elevate the flavor profile, creating a dish that truly captures the essence of Cuban cuisine.

Cooking Techniques

Preparing Chicken Picadillo is a straightforward process that yields fantastic results.

Start by sautéing onions and bell peppers in olive oil until they soften, releasing their natural sweetness.

The addition of minced garlic adds a fragrant touch that enhances the overall aroma of the dish.

Once the vegetables are tender, ground chicken is added and cooked until browned.

Stirring in the tomatoes, olives, and spices allows the ingredients to mingle and develop depth, creating a rich and satisfying sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Picadillo is traditionally served over fluffy white rice, which acts as a perfect canvas for the dish.

The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, making each bite a delightful experience.

Garnishing with fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish.

For those looking to vary their meal, serving it with warm tortillas can also be a fantastic option.

This allows for easy scooping and adds a fun, interactive element to the dining experience.

Homemade Comfort

This dish embodies comfort food, bringing warmth and heartiness to the table.

The rustic kitchen setting enhances the homey feel, making it an inviting meal for family and friends.

Cooking Chicken Picadillo can create lasting memories, as the aroma fills the kitchen and entices everyone to gather around the dinner table.

Sharing this vibrant plate creates a sense of connection, as everyone enjoys the rich flavors that come together in harmony.

It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that can brighten any day.

Delicious and Authentic Chicken Picadillo

This Chicken Picadillo is a Cuban-inspired dish that features ground chicken cooked with tomatoes, green bell peppers, onions, and green olives. The flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that is savory with a hint of sweetness and a touch of tang from the olives.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), green olives, raisins, cumin, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 300kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

Nutritional Benefits

Chicken Picadillo offers a balanced meal packed with essential nutrients.

With ground chicken as the primary protein source, it provides a good amount of lean protein essential for muscle maintenance.

The inclusion of colorful vegetables contributes vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a wholesome choice.

Additionally, the use of olives adds healthy fats, while raisins introduce natural sweetness without refined sugars.

This dish is not just tasty; it’s a nourishing option for any meal.