If you want a recipe that absolutely bursts with citrusy flavor, tender juicy chicken, and that unmistakable “wow” factor, then Cuban Mojo Chicken is about to become your new obsession. Infused with a zippy, garlicky marinade and laced with the sunshine-bright combo of orange and lime, it’s as bold and satisfying as a Cuban street party on your plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Juicy Chicken: The citrus and olive oil mojo marinade infuses every bite with moisture and zip—no dry chicken here!
- Ridiculously Easy Marinade: Just blend everything up for a bold, authentic flavor—no complicated steps or specialty equipment necessary.
- Versatile for Any Meal: Grill it for a main dish, tuck it into burritos or salads, or pile it on a rice bowl—Cuban Mojo Chicken goes with everything!
- Flavor-Packed Dipping Sauce: That little extra step—reducing the reserved marinade—creates a drizzle so good, you’ll want to put it on more than just chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes is a short list of kitchen staples and a handful of fresh ingredients to recreate the magic of Cuban Mojo Chicken at home. Each one brings something special—vibrant color, aromatic depth, or just the kind of flavor that makes you stop and take notice.
- Garlic: Six cloves might sound like a lot, but that rich, pungent kick is the soul of the marinade—don’t skimp!
- Shallot: Just one brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to balance all the citrus.
- Kosher salt: It seasons the chicken from the inside out, amplifying every other ingredient.
- Lime zest: Lime zest packs the most aromatic oils—bright and punchy, it’s the secret to a truly vibrant marinade.
- Ground cumin: Just a little adds a gentle earthiness, a classic flavor in Cuban cooking.
- Dried oregano: A sprinkle brings herbal depth and lifts the whole dish.
- Freshly ground black pepper: For warmth and a hint of bite—freshly ground makes a difference!
- Orange juice: This is what gives Cuban Mojo Chicken that signature sweet-citrus tang. Freshly squeezed or store-bought, just make sure it’s not from concentrate.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice: The tartness rounds out the sweetness—don’t substitute bottled here if you can avoid it.
- Extra virgin olive oil: It keeps the marinade silky, coats the chicken, and helps seal in the flavor on the grill.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs are the juiciest (and most forgiving on the grill!), but you can swap for breasts if you like—just watch your cooking time.
Variations
Cuban Mojo Chicken is incredibly forgiving and flexible—think of the marinade as your template, then riff with your favorite flavors or what you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, keeping it light, or craving something extra spicy, here’s how to make it your own:
- Swap the Protein: Try the mojo marinade on pork tenderloin, shrimp, or even tofu for a fun twist!
- Add a Kick: Toss in a diced jalapeño or some red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicier Cuban Mojo Chicken.
- Pump Up the Herbs: Add chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a super vibrant, herbaceous hit at the end.
- Citrus Blend: Use a mix of orange, lemon, and lime juice if you want maximum bright, tangy flavor.
How to Make Cuban Mojo Chicken
Step 1: Blend the Mojo Marinade
Grab your blender and toss in the garlic, shallot, salt, lime zest, cumin, oregano, pepper, orange juice, lime juice, and olive oil. Whiz it all together until smooth and creamy. The aroma alone will get your mouth watering—this is Cuban Mojo Chicken magic in action!
Step 2: Reserve and Marinate
Before you add the chicken, pour out about 1/3 cup of the marinade and set it aside. This will be reduced later for a saucy drizzle. Next, coat the chicken thighs generously with the remaining mojo marinade, cover, and let them chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour—or up to a full day if you want that flavor really deep.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Lay the marinated chicken on the hot grill and let it sear for 30–60 seconds for gorgeous grill marks, then drop the heat to medium-low. Grill for 10–15 minutes, flipping every 5–7 minutes, until juicy and cooked through (165°F for thighs is the magic number). Watch for those sizzling, caramelized edges—that’s the sweet spot!
Step 4: Make the Mojo Dipping Sauce
Pour your reserved marinade into a small nonstick skillet and simmer on medium-high for 3–5 minutes, whisking often. As it reduces, it’ll thicken into an intensely flavorful sauce—absolutely perfect drizzled over the chicken when serving.
Pro Tips for Making Cuban Mojo Chicken
- Blender Magic: Use a high-powered blender to really emulsify the marinade—this gets it super smooth and helps those flavors penetrate the chicken completely.
- Marinate Overnight for Extra Depth: If you can, let the chicken sit in the marinade overnight. The longer it soaks, the more complex and juicy the final result!
- Don’t Skip the Sauce Reduction: Reducing that reserved mojo marinade concentrates the flavors and gives you an irresistible drizzle—don’t let a drop go to waste!
- Grill Mark Secret: For those photogenic grill stripes, lay the chicken at a diagonal to the grates and resist moving it for the first minute of searing.
How to Serve Cuban Mojo Chicken
Garnishes
For a true Cuban Mojo Chicken flair, shower your platter with fresh chopped cilantro, a few extra lime wedges, and a quick dusting of lime zest just before serving. Want more color? Add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds or thinly sliced red onions for a vibrant finish that’s as gorgeous as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
Cuban Mojo Chicken loves to mingle with classic Cuban sides! Serve it over fluffy white rice, alongside black beans, sweet fried plantains (maduros), or a simple avocado salad. Even something as easy as crusty bread to sop up the extra mojo sauce works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For weeknights, pile sliced mojo chicken in a rice bowl with beans and grilled veggies. Entertaining? Serve it on a big platter with extra sauce and let everyone build their own tacos. Getting fancy? Slice it thin and layer onto a crunchy Cuban-inspired salad with hearts of palm and citrus segments—it’s as impressive as it is effortless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cuban Mojo Chicken keeps fabulously in the fridge! Store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container, and it will remain juicy and delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making for amazing lunches the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a dream. Freeze cooked, cooled chicken in a zip-top bag or container—ideally portioned for quick meals. It will keep its fantastic flavor and texture in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm Cuban Mojo Chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, to prevent drying. Splash a little extra sauce or chicken broth over top if things get dry. Microwaving works, too, but keep it low and slow for best texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Cuban Mojo Chicken with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work beautifully—just be sure not to overcook them. Grill to an internal temperature of 150-155°F, then let them rest, so they stay juicy. You may also want to marinate breasts for a little less time as they can become mushy if left too long in citrus.
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Can I bake Cuban Mojo Chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can! Arrange marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Broil for 2 extra minutes at the end for a little char.
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How far in advance can I marinate the chicken?
It’s best to marinate Cuban Mojo Chicken for at least 1 hour, but for maximum flavor, marinate overnight (up to 24 hours). More than that and the citrus can start to “cook” the chicken, so try not to go overboard.
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Is the leftover mojo sauce safe to eat as a dip?
You bet—as long as you reserved it before adding any raw chicken. Always use the reserved portion, and after reducing and simmering, it’s safe and totally delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Cuban Mojo Chicken is the kind of recipe that always draws a crowd, no matter how you serve it. The fragrant citrus, the punch of garlic, that heavenly glaze—trust me, a single bite is all it takes to fall in love. Give it a try, and let the flavors transport you to Havana, right from your kitchen. Enjoy every juicy, sunshine-soaked bite!
Print
Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cuban
Description
This Cuban Mojo Chicken recipe features tender, flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, citrus, and spices, grilled to perfection, and finished with a tangy dipping sauce. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or added to various meals.
Ingredients
Mojo Marinade:
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 medium shallot, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 lime, zested (approx. 2 teaspoons grated lime zest)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Chicken:
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the Mojo Marinade: In a high-powered blender, combine all the marinade ingredients and blend until smooth. Reserve ⅓ cup of marinade for the dipping sauce.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken to the remaining marinade and refrigerate for at least an hour or up to a day.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 10-15 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Transfer the reserved marinade to a skillet and reduce over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Drizzle over the grilled chicken before serving.
Notes
- Most Mojo Chicken recipes don’t include a dipping sauce, but this one does – be sure to reserve and reduce the marinade for an extra burst of flavor!
- This versatile dish can be used in various ways, from burrito bowls to rice bowls, making it a go-to chicken recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
