Authentic Cuban Vaca Frita de Pollo (Crispy Shredded Chicken)
Don’t let the name fool you — there’s no “cow” in this vaca. Vaca frita means “fried cow” in Spanish, but this version uses chicken instead of beef, making it a faster, lighter, but still flavor-packed dish. Vaca frita de pollo is all about bold citrus, garlic, and crispy, golden edges.
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken shredded
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts whole
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
Mojo
- 4 garlic cloves grated
- Juice of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 sour orange
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 6 tbsp neutral oil
Instructions
- Shred up a rotisserie chicken or boil your own.
- Add all the mojo ingredients to your shredded chicken.
- Add thinly sliced onion and chicken to a pan on high heat with some oil.
- Let it sit untouched for a few minutes until it was develop color.
- Now mix until desired crispiness.
- Serve with white rice, beans or plantains.