Chicken Chicharrón

Chicken Chicharrón is a beloved Latin American dish featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken, typically marinated and then deep-fried until the exterior becomes wonderfully crispy and golden. The key ingredients often include chicken pieces (like thighs or wings), a marinade of citrus (like lime or orange juice), garlic, cumin, and other spices, all fried to perfection. It is a popular street food and home-cooked meal found throughout countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein and fat due to the chicken and frying process, with minimal carbohydrates unless served with a starchy side. A typical serving provides a good source of protein and minerals like selenium and phosphorus, but is also calorie-dense, often ranging from 400 to 600 calories per serving.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbs	3 g
Fat	33 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	650 mg
Selenium	25 mcg
Phosphorus	250 mg
Niacin (B3)	8 mg
Vitamin B6	0.5 mg
Zinc	2.5 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Potassium	300 mg
Magnesium	30 mg

Per 1 serving (approx. 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Chicken Chicharrón is a festive and communal food, often served at gatherings, with lime wedges and a side of yuca or plantains. Nutritionally, it's a classic example of a high-protein, high-fat meal that provides quick energy but is traditionally balanced by fibrous root vegetables in the full meal.