Published:
Oct 27th 2022
by 
Medically reviewed by 
Last updated: Sep 1st 2025
Discover the irresistible flavors of Yaroa, one of the Dominican Republic's most beloved street foods. This iconic dish features crispy French fries layered with juicy ground chicken, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and a tangy blend of mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal, Yaroa is not only a favorite after a night out, but also an excellent choice for a family dinner at home.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this Dominican classic is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters—because who can resist cheesy fries? Whether you're craving bold, savory flavors or looking to bring a taste of the Dominican Republic to your kitchen, Yaroa is a must-try meal that's sure to impress. Gather your ingredients and enjoy this flavorful dish any night of the week.
Pro Tip - You’ll love this recipe for its irresistible combination of crispy fries, savory ground chicken, and melted cheeses that create a comforting and flavorful meal every time.
- It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- This Yaroa recipe brings an authentic taste of Dominican street food right to your home, offering a unique and exciting way to enjoy bold, vibrant flavors.
- With a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats, it’s a nutritious and filling option that keeps everyone at the table happy and energized.
Key nutrients
- Protein: from ground chicken and cheese — supports muscle repair and helps keep you full
- Calcium: from cheddar and mozzarella — important for bone health
- Vitamin C: from bell pepper — may help support immune function
- Healthy fats: from olive oil — provide energy and support heart health
- Fiber: from vegetables and potatoes — aids in digestion and promotes satiety
Why it matters
- Balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help sustain energy.
- Dairy and vegetables add important vitamins and minerals to your diet.
- Including a variety of food groups may support overall nutrition.
Balance & portion
Aim for a balanced plate (vegetables, protein, smart carbs). Choose portions that fit your needs.
What to watch
- Sodium — processed sauces and cheese can add up in salt content
- Saturated fat — cheese and mayonnaise increase saturated fat levels
- Added sugars — ketchup and tomato sauce may contribute extra sugar
Make it even better
- Add more veggies like spinach or tomatoes for extra fiber and vitamins
- Use reduced-sodium sauces to help lower salt intake
- Swap regular fries for baked sweet potato fries for more nutrients and fiber
- Choose light or reduced-fat cheese and mayo to cut saturated fat
- Serve with a fresh salad to boost the meal's balance
Yaroa is a dish characterized by its high-calorie content, stemming from ingredients like fried components, meats, and cheese, which contribute to elevated levels of fats, particularly saturated fats, and carbohydrates.
The specific nutritional values fluctuate depending on the ingredients used, and the preparation techniques employed, and the quality of ingredients can vary greatly based on where the dish is prepared, significantly impacting health implications.
Regularly consuming such high-calorie, high-fat foods can increase the risk of weight gain and associated health issues, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the fried elements of Yaroa may contribute to inflammatory responses within the body.
However, if prepared with leaner meats and consumed in moderation, it could potentially fit within a balanced dietary pattern. It is important to remember that moderation is crucial with any food, and individuals with specific dietary restrictions or health conditions should pay close attention to the ingredients and portion sizes.
General nutrition information only; verify labels and consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.
References
- CDC — Nutrition - For general guidance on balanced meals and nutrient roles.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — Healthy Eating Plate - For recommendations on balanced plates.
Best fit
- Pescetarian: May suit if made with plant-based or fish protein instead of chicken.
Use with caution / avoid
- High sodium: Processed condiments and cheese increase sodium; limit if watching intake.
- Added sugars: Ketchup and brown sugar add sweetness; consider if limiting sugars.
- Saturated fat: Cheddar, mozzarella, and mayonnaise raise saturated fat; use smaller portions if needed.
- Gluten free: Standard fries may contain gluten unless certified gluten-free.
Helpful modifications
- Use baked sweet potato fries for more fiber and nutrients.
- Choose reduced-fat cheese and light mayonnaise to lower saturated fat.
- Select no-sugar-added ketchup to reduce added sugars.
- Opt for gluten-free fries if avoiding gluten.
- Add extra sautéed vegetables for more fiber and vitamins.
Pair with: A simple green salad or steamed broccoli to boost fiber and balance the meal.
General nutrition information only; verify labels and consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.
Contains: milk, egg.
-
Milk
Where it appears: Cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise (may contain milk).
Swap: Use dairy-free cheeses and vegan mayonnaise for a milk-free version.
-
Egg
Where it appears: Mayonnaise.
Swap: Use egg-free or vegan mayonnaise to avoid egg.
Notes are based on the listed ingredients; always verify brand labels and local regulations. Swaps may require adjusting cook time and steps; the original recipe isn’t tailored to substitutions.
Clean
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling food.
- Rinse fresh vegetables like onions and peppers before chopping.
- Clean all utensils and surfaces before use.
Separate
- Keep raw ground chicken away from ready-to-eat foods and cooked fries.
- Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables.
Cook
- Cook ground chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Bake fries until golden brown and hot throughout.
Chill
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container and consume within 2–3 days.
References
- CDC — Food Safety - General food safety practices and safe cooking temperatures.
- USDA — Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart - For poultry cooking temperatures.
- Yaroa is a popular Dominican street food known for its layers of fries, meat, cheese, and tangy sauces.
- The combination of melted cheddar and mozzarella gives this dish its signature gooey, stretchy texture.
- French fries serve as the hearty base, soaking up savory juices and sauces for extra flavor.
- Classic Yaroa toppings—ketchup, mayo, and mustard—create a creamy, tangy finish.
Name & origins
Yaroa is a beloved comfort food from the Dominican Republic, often enjoyed as late-night street fare.
Technique tidbit
Baking fries in a single layer maximizes crispness by allowing hot air to circulate evenly around each piece.
Before you start
- Gather all ingredients and equipment for smooth preparation.
- Preheat the oven to ensure crispy fries when baking.
- Use fresh ground chicken for optimal flavor and texture.
During cooking
- Sauté vegetables until soft but not browned for sweetness.
- Look for the chicken to turn fully white before adding sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Spread fries in a single layer to achieve even crispiness.
Make-ahead & storage
- Prepare the chicken filling ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheat fries in the oven to restore their crispiness.
Common mistakes
- Crowding the baking sheet → leads to soggy fries; spread them out.
- Not flipping fries → results in uneven browning; turn them halfway.
Serve with
- Sweet plantain chips for a delightful crunch and sweetness.
- A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette for freshness.
- Garlic aioli for a creamy, flavorful dipping option.
Toppings & textures
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a vibrant touch.
- Sliced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
Occasions
- This recipe shines at casual weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Substitutions
- Ground chicken can be replaced with ground beef, pork, turkey, or a plant-based meat alternative to suit dietary preferences.
- French fries can be swapped for baked or fried plantains for a sweeter, traditional twist.
- Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses can be substituted with gouda, Monterey Jack, or dairy-free cheese for lactose intolerance or vegan options.
- Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil, coconut oil, or any neutral cooking oil.
- Tomato sauce can be substituted with crushed tomatoes or a low-sodium tomato purée.
- Ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard can be adjusted or replaced with vegan versions or flavored sauces like chipotle mayo or garlic aioli.
- Red pepper flakes can be omitted or replaced with fresh chili peppers or hot sauce for different heat levels.
Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms, corn, or black beans to the ground chicken mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Top Yaroa with sliced jalapeños, pickles, or hot sauce to add a spicy kick.
- Use sweet potato fries instead of regular fries for a naturally sweeter and nutrient-rich base.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the chicken mixture or as a garnish for added freshness.
- Create a vegetarian version by using seasoned lentils or crumbled tofu instead of meat.
- Mix in caramelized onions or roasted bell peppers to deepen the flavor profile.
- Serve Yaroa in individual ramekins topped with an extra layer of cheese for a fun presentation and gooey finish.
Refrigerate
- Cool leftovers to room temperature and store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2-3 days for best quality and safety.
Freeze
- Freezing not recommended; fries may lose their crispness upon thawing.
Reheat
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for optimal texture.
- Cover loosely to retain moisture while reheating.
Repurpose ideas
- Ground chicken: Provides the savory, juicy filling for this Dominican dish.
- French fries (certified gluten-free): Crispy fries form the delicious base of the Yaroa, balancing the other ingredients.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy layer that melts perfectly on top of the dish.
- Mozzarella cheese: Known for its stretchiness, mozzarella adds that gooey texture Yaroa is famous for.
- Tomato sauce: Helps create a flavorful, moist filling for the ground chicken.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the chicken and vegetables, adding a light, fruity flavor.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the chicken filling.
- Garlic: Provides a fragrant, savory boost to the chicken.
- Bell pepper: Adds color and crunch while balancing the richness of the dish.
- Ketchup: A classic condiment that adds a sweet and tangy element to the Yaroa.
- Mustard: Gives a slight tangy, spicy kick to enhance the overall flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps blend all the flavors together.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and the dish overall.
- Red pepper flakes: For a little heat, if you prefer a spicier version of Yaroa.
What is yaroa de carne?
Yaroa de Carne is a Dominican dish consisting of fries, ground beef, tomato sauce, cheese, mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup.
How to make yaroa de platano maduro?
Yaroa de Plantano Maduro is a Dominican dish consisting of mashed plantains, beef filling, cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup.
How many calories is a Yaroa?
There are 540 calories in each serving of Yaroa.
How many carbs is Yaroa?
Each serving of Yaroa has 19 grams of carbs.
What can I use instead of ground chicken in Yaroa?
You can substitute ground chicken with ground beef, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your dietary preferences.
Can I prepare Yaroa in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat it and bake the fries fresh before serving.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular fries?
Absolutely! Sweet potato fries add a delicious, sweet contrast to the savory chicken and tangy condiments, offering a unique variation on traditional Yaroa.
How to Make Yaroa
To make Yaroa, start by preparing the ground chicken in a skillet with olive oil, diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Once the chicken is cooked, add tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a flavorful filling. Next, bake your French fries until crispy, and layer them with the chicken and cheese. Finally, drizzle ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise over the dish before serving. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a flavorful, Dominican-inspired meal.
Time & Serves
Ingredients
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 small Red Onion, diced
1 small Yellow Bell Pepper, diced
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. Ground Chicken
1 cup Tomato Sauce
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
1 lb. French Fries (certified gluten-free)
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Ketchup
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
1/4 cup Mustard
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 °F.
To a large skillet, add the olive oil and set it over medium-high heat.
Add the onions and bell peppers and cook them for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook it for 1 minute.
Add the ground chicken and cook it for 8-10 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces until it is no longer pink.
Add the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook it for 5-10 minutes until it is heated.
Add the French fries to a baking sheet lined with foil paper and spread them into an even layer.
Bake the French fries for 10 minutes, then turn them over and bake them for an additional 10 minutes until the French fries are crispy and golden brown.
On a plate, spoon the ground chicken mixture over the fries, topping it with both types of cheese.
Top with the ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard before serving.
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