RecipesCubaAjiaco de Pollo y Yuca

Ajiaco de Pollo y Yuca

A hearty and comforting chicken and root vegetable stew, featuring tender chicken, starchy yuca, corn, and a rich broth seasoned with Cuban spices.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Ajiaco de Pollo y Yuca - Cuba traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Chicken pieces (bone-in, like thighs and drumsticks)
  • 1.5 lbs Yuca (cassava)(peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks)
  • 3 ears Corn on the cob(cut into 2-inch pieces)
  • 2 green Plantains(peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • 1 lb Malanga (or taro root)(peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • 1 large Yellow onion(chopped)
  • 1 large Green bell pepper(chopped)
  • 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 8 cups Chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1.5 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1 leaf Bay leaf
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil (optional, if chicken is fatty) over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.

    ⏱️ 8-10 minutes
  2. 2

    Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

    ⏱️ 7 minutes
  3. 3

    Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

    ⏱️ 1 minute
  4. 4

    Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

    ⏱️ 2 minutes
  5. 5

    Return the chicken to the pot. Add the chicken broth, yuca, corn, plantains, malanga, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

    💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are submerged in the broth.
  6. 6

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the root vegetables are cooked through and soft. Stir occasionally.

    ⏱️ 1 hour 15 minutes
    💡 Tip: The broth will thicken as the starches from the vegetables release.
  7. 7

    Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

    💡 Tip: The stew should be thick and hearty.
  8. 8

    Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.

    💡 Tip: Traditionally served with a side of white rice.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Yuca can be found fresh or frozen in Latin American markets. If using frozen, thaw it first.
  • Malanga can be substituted with more yuca or potatoes if unavailable.
  • For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of chicken and vegetable broth.

🔄 Variations

  • Add chunks of beef or pork along with the chicken.
  • Include other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or ñame.

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