Cuban Mojo Chicken is a vibrant, citrus-marinated dish bursting with bold island flavors. Juicy chicken thighs or breasts are marinated in a zesty garlic-citrus mojo sauce, then grilled or baked to golden perfection. It’s fresh, tangy, and deeply savory—perfect for a tropical-inspired meal any night of the week.
Cuban Mojo Chicken
Why This Cuban Mojo Chicken Is the Best
- Zesty Citrus Marinade: A blend of orange, lime, and garlic brings bright, authentic Cuban flavor.
- Garlic and Herbs: Fresh garlic, oregano, and cumin create a bold, aromatic base.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: The marinade locks in moisture and infuses every bite.
- Great for Grilling or Baking: Versatile cooking options based on your preference.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy flavorful leftovers.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Cuban Mojo Chicken is great for summer BBQs, easy weeknight dinners, or when you’re craving something flavorful and fresh. It pairs beautifully with rice, plantains, or a side salad.
Ingredient Notes
- Garlic (Peeled): Provides bold, pungent flavor that infuses the chicken with classic Cuban depth and savory richness.
- Shallot (Roughly Chopped): Adds a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor that balances the sharpness of the garlic.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the marinade’s flavors and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Lime Zest: Delivers a bright, citrusy aroma that boosts the marinade’s freshness.
- Ground Cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertones that are signature to Cuban mojo seasoning.
- Dried Oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note that pairs beautifully with the citrus and garlic.
- Black Pepper (Freshly Ground): Adds mild heat and complexity to the marinade.
- Orange Juice: Brings natural sweetness and acidity that both flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Adds sharp, zesty brightness that lifts the marinade and balances the richness of the olive oil.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps carry all the flavors into the chicken, locking in moisture and richness.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Ideal for soaking up the marinade—juicy, tender, and perfect for grilling or roasting.
Tips for Making the Best Cuban Mojo Chicken
- Marinate for at Least 2 Hours: Overnight is even better for deeper flavor.
- Use Fresh Citrus Juice: Bottled juice won’t deliver the same brightness.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: It’s essential to authentic mojo flavor.
- Sear for Extra Flavor: Searing before baking locks in juices and adds color.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the chicken sit a few minutes after cooking for juicier results.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice and Black Beans: A classic Cuban combo.
- With Fried Plantains: Sweet and savory contrast.
- With a Fresh Mango or Avocado Salad: Adds coolness and color.
- In Tacos or Bowls: Use leftovers in wraps, bowls, or sandwiches.
A Must Try
Cuban Mojo Chicken is everything you want in a flavorful, fuss-free chicken dish. It’s citrusy, garlicky, and absolutely packed with savory goodness. Whether you grill it for smoky flavor or bake it for ease, this dish brings bold tropical vibes to your table. Try it once, and you’ll crave it again and again.
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Cuban Mojo Chicken
Cuban Mojo Chicken bursts with bold citrus, garlic, and spice—marinated to juicy perfection and full of zesty, Cuban-inspired flavor in every bite!
Ingredients
- Mojo Marinade
- 6 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 medium shallot roughly chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup Orange Juice
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 lime zested
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Toss all the marinade ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until it’s super smooth and creamy.
- Scoop out ⅓ cup of that delicious marinade and set it aside in a small bowl—that’s going to be your dipping sauce later!
- Now, add the chicken to the rest of the marinade and give it a good mix so it’s fully coated. Pop it in the fridge and let it soak up all that flavor for at least 1 hour—or even better, leave it overnight!
- Fire up your grill to medium-high heat and give those grates a light brush of oil so nothing sticks.
- Place your marinated chicken on the grill and let it get a nice char for about 30 to 60 seconds. Then, lower the heat to medium-low to cook the chicken gently.
- Grill the chicken for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning it every 5 minutes. Make sure the thighs reach at least 165°F and the breasts hit between 150°F and 155°F to be perfectly cooked and juicy.
- While the chicken’s grilling, pour the reserved marinade into a non-stick skillet and cook it over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens up into a tasty sauce.
- Drizzle that flavorful sauce all over your grilled chicken and enjoy! 🍗🔥😋
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Cuban Mojo Chicken