Cuban Mojo Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by traditional Cuban cuisine. Marinated in a zesty citrus-garlic mojo sauce, this Cuban Mojo Chicken becomes incredibly juicy, aromatic, and perfectly grilled. The combination of orange juice, lime, garlic, and spices creates a bright and bold flavor that makes this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cuban Mojo Chicken recipe delivers bold citrus flavor with very simple ingredients. The marinade infuses the chicken with garlic, lime, and orange notes that taste fresh and savory at the same time. It’s an easy recipe that requires minimal prep but produces restaurant-quality results. The dish is family-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for grilling, meal prep, or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 medium shallot, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Zest of 1 lime (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- In a high-powered blender, combine garlic, shallot, salt, lime zest, cumin, oregano, black pepper, orange juice, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until the marinade is completely smooth.
- Pour ⅓ cup of the marinade into a small bowl and reserve it for the dipping sauce later.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Coat well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates.
- Place the chicken on the grill and allow it to char for 30–60 seconds. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Grill the Cuban Mojo Chicken for 10–15 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small non-stick skillet and simmer over medium-high heat for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Drizzle the reduced mojo sauce over the grilled chicken and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the most intense citrus and garlic flavor.
- If you do not have a grill, cook the chicken in a grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes.
- Fresh lime juice and fresh orange juice provide the best flavor.
- Boneless chicken breasts can be used, but they cook slightly faster than thighs.
- Add chopped cilantro before serving for extra freshness.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 1–24 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 25 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Cuban
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Halal-Friendly
Notes
This Cuban Mojo Chicken pairs beautifully with rice, grilled vegetables, or Cuban-style black beans. You can also shred the grilled chicken and use it in tacos, sandwiches, or rice bowls.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fat: 19 g
FAQ
What is mojo marinade?
Mojo is a classic Cuban marinade made with citrus juice, garlic, olive oil, and spices that tenderize and flavor meats.
How long should I marinate Cuban Mojo Chicken?
At least 1 hour is recommended, but marinating overnight provides deeper flavor.
Can I bake Cuban Mojo Chicken instead of grilling?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes. Place the chicken with the marinade in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
What sides go well with Cuban Mojo Chicken?
Rice, black beans, grilled plantains, roasted vegetables, or fresh salads all pair well.
Storage
Store leftover Cuban Mojo Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Similar Recipes
Cuban Mojo Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 medium shallot roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Zest of 1 lime about 2 teaspoons
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- In a high-powered blender, combine garlic, shallot, salt, lime zest, cumin, oregano, black pepper, orange juice, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until the marinade is completely smooth.
- Pour ⅓ cup of the marinade into a small bowl and reserve it for the dipping sauce later.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Coat well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates.
- Place the chicken on the grill and allow it to char for 30–60 seconds. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Grill the Cuban Mojo Chicken for 10–15 minutes, turning every 5–7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small non-stick skillet and simmer over medium-high heat for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Drizzle the reduced mojo sauce over the grilled chicken and serve warm.
Notes
Conclusion
Cuban Mojo Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe that brings bright citrus and garlic flavors to tender grilled chicken. With an easy marinade and quick cooking time, it’s a dependable dish for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Once you try this recipe, it may quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.