Puerto Rican Chicken

Name: Puerto Rican Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 3 pounds chicken drumsticks; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 packet Sazon seasoning; 2 tablespoons sofrito (optional)

Published: February 3, 2026

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: This Puerto Rican chicken requires minimal prep time, making it a great option for busy days.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spices and sofrito creates a rich and delicious taste that everyone will enjoy.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for any occasion—serve it at family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
Healthy Choice: Using chicken drumsticks keeps the dish tasty while providing protein without unhealthy fats.
Comfort Food Appeal: This comforting baked chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your heart.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Puerto Rican chicken recipe efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking tray
Measuring spoons
Plastic wrap (for marinating)

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: Allows you to easily mix and marinate the ingredients without spills.
Baking tray: Provides even cooking space for the chicken to bake perfectly in the oven.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurements of spices for consistent flavor every time.

Ingredients

Fully flavored, this Puerto Rican chicken recipe is the perfect oven baked recipe to have on hand!

Ingredients:
– 3 pounds of drumsticks
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
– 1 packet of Sazon seasoning
– 2 tablespoons of sofrito (optional)

How to Make Puerto Rican Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Toss chicken and remaining ingredients together into a large bowl.
Gently mix to coat chicken with seasonings.
Allow chicken to marinate for 2-24 hours in the refrigerator for best flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while the chicken marinates.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Arrange chicken on a baking tray in a single layer.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Flip chicken over and bake another 20 minutes.
Increase heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the final 5-10 minutes to achieve crispy skin.

Step 4: Serve

Carefully remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Puerto Rican chicken with your favorite sides!

How to Serve Puerto Rican Chicken

Serving Puerto Rican chicken is an opportunity to create a vibrant and flavorful meal. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides that complement its rich seasoning and juicy texture.

With Rice

Arroz con Gandules: A classic Puerto Rican dish made with rice, pigeon peas, and spices, perfect for soaking up the chicken’s flavors.
White Rice: Simple and versatile, it balances the savory notes of the chicken.

With Vegetables

Sautéed Plantains: Sweet fried plantains add a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.
Mixed Greens Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can brighten the meal.

With Sauces

Garlic Sauce: A zesty garlic sauce drizzled over the chicken enhances its flavor.
Avocado Salsa: Creamy avocado salsa adds a fresh touch that pairs well with baked chicken.

How to Perfect Puerto Rican Chicken

To achieve the best Puerto Rican chicken, consider these essential tips that enhance flavor and ensure tenderness.

Marinate Well: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least two hours (or overnight) helps infuse it with flavor.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs can significantly boost the taste compared to dried versions.
Don’t Rush Cooking Time: Ensuring the chicken cooks through at lower temperatures prevents dryness and keeps it juicy.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak spices based on your taste preferences for a more customized flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Puerto Rican Chicken

Pair your Puerto Rican chicken with delicious side dishes that elevate your dining experience. These options complement the main dish and enhance your meal.

Moro de Habichuelas: A delicious blend of rice and beans cooked together, providing both protein and fiber.
Tostones: Twice-fried green plantains that offer a crispy texture and slight saltiness, perfect alongside savory chicken.
Fried Yuca: Crispy yuca pieces provide a hearty side option that’s full of flavor and texture.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness to balance out the savory elements of the dish.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds freshness and acidity to each bite.
Couscous Salad: A light couscous mixed with veggies makes for a quick, healthy side that’s easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Puerto Rican chicken, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of:

Ignoring the Marinade Time: Marinating for too little time can mean less flavor. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping oven preheating may lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure consistent results.
Overcrowding the Baking Tray: Placing too many pieces of chicken together can prevent proper browning. Bake in batches if necessary.
Skipping the Sofrito: While optional, skipping sofrito can reduce flavor depth. Incorporate it for an authentic taste.
Neglecting to Flip the Chicken: Failing to flip the chicken halfway through cooking can result in unevenly cooked meat. Be sure to turn it for even browning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Puerto Rican chicken in an airtight container.
It lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Puerto Rican Chicken

Freeze chicken portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Puerto Rican Chicken

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm the chicken, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Puerto Rican chicken.

What is Puerto Rican Chicken?

Puerto Rican chicken is a flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken often baked with spices and seasonings typical of Puerto Rican cuisine.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times slightly as they may take longer to cook through.

How do I make my Puerto Rican Chicken more spicy?

To add heat, include chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to your marinade. This will enhance the flavor while giving it a spicy kick.

What should I serve with Puerto Rican Chicken?

Serve it with rice and beans or a side salad for a complete meal. Arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) is also a great pairing!

Final Thoughts

This Puerto Rican chicken recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite spices or vegetables. Try this dish for dinner and impress your family with its rich flavors!

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