Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe

Juicy, boldly flavored, and bursting with citrusy aroma, Cuban Mojo Chicken is one of those crave-worthy dishes I adore sharing with friends and family. Marinated in a garlicky, herby mojo sauce that’s tangy and vibrant, this chicken is a true celebration of Cuban cuisine—easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to wow a crowd.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Cuban Mojo Chicken is the straightforward ingredient list. Each item adds its own punch—think vibrant citrus, earthy spices, and plenty of fresh garlic. These simple flavors work magic when they come together—no overthinking required!

• Garlic (6 cloves): The backbone of any great mojo marinade—use fresh cloves for the most robust flavor.
• Shallot (1 medium): Gives a gentle sweetness and depth to the marinade; you can substitute with a small onion in a pinch.
• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
• Lime Zest (from 1 lime): Adds bright, pure citrus aroma to the marinade—don’t skip zesting before juicing!
• Ground Cumin (1½ teaspoons): Lends earthy, toasty undertones that really make the chicken sing.
• Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Classic in Cuban cooking; it adds a savory, herbal layer to the sauce.
• Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): For subtle warmth and spice.
• Orange Juice (½ cup): Traditionally used in Cuban mojo—balances acidity with a gentle sweetness.
• Fresh Lime Juice (⅓ cup): Delivers signature mojo tang and extra freshness.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (⅓ cup): Helps the marinade emulsify and keeps the chicken super juicy.
• Chicken Thighs (3 pounds, boneless & skinless): Thighs are perfect here—tender, forgiving, and packed with flavor; you can use breasts if you’d like, but thighs stay juicier on the grill.

Variations

One thing I absolutely love about Cuban Mojo Chicken is how easily you can make it your own! Whether you’re tweaking for dietary needs or simply raiding your pantry, these simple swaps and add-ins keep the flavors bold and the process fuss-free.

• Swap the Citrus: Try all lime or all orange, or even grapefruit juice for a fun twist on classic mojo.
• Use Chicken Breasts: If you prefer a leaner option, boneless chicken breasts work beautifully—just be mindful not to overcook.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade for an extra kick.
• Herb Lovers’ Mojo: Toss in fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for more herby brightness.
• Vegetarian Version: Use the mojo marinade on tofu, portobello mushrooms, or even roasted cauliflower for a zippy plant-based dish.

How to Make Cuban Mojo Chicken

Step 1: Blend the Mojo Marinade

Drop the peeled garlic, chopped shallot, salt, lime zest, cumin, oregano, black pepper, orange juice, lime juice, and olive oil straight into a high-powered blender. Blend until the mixture becomes silky-smooth and fragrant—the aroma will whisk you off to a Havana kitchen in seconds!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pour about ⅓ cup of that irresistible marinade into a bowl and set it aside for your mojo drizzle later (don’t forget—this is the secret sauce!). Add the chicken thighs to the rest of the marinade, massage it in well, cover, and let it soak up all those flavors in the fridge for at least an hour (or, better yet, overnight).

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Fire up your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Place the chicken pieces on and let them develop a glorious char for 30–60 seconds. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low and finish grilling for about 10–15 minutes, flipping every 5–7 minutes until they’re fully cooked and perfectly juicy.

Step 4: Reduce the Drizzle Sauce

While your chicken is sizzling, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a small non-stick skillet. Bring it up to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency—about 3–5 minutes. This is your flavor-packed finishing touch!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the grilled chicken onto a platter, drizzle with the luscious reduced mojo sauce, and watch as everyone digs in with pure joy. It’s a meal that’s meant to be savored and shared!

How to Serve Cuban Mojo Chicken

Garnishes

Cuban Mojo Chicken shines brightest when garnished with loads of fresh herbs—think chopped cilantro or parsley. A few extra lime wedges add color and punch, while thinly sliced red onions or sweet bell peppers give a little crunch and vibrancy on the plate.

Side Dishes

Pair this chicken with classic sides like fluffy white rice, tostones (crispy fried plantains), black beans, or a bright mango-avocado salad. The citrus and garlic flavors are so lively, they partner beautifully with all sorts of tropical-inspired accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual party, slice your Cuban Mojo Chicken and lay it in a big bowl for DIY taco or burrito bowl night—just pile on rice, beans, and toppings! Or serve over a big board with charred veggies and dipping sauce for a hands-on feasting experience that gets everyone reaching in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cuban Mojo Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavor just gets better as it sits, making it perfect to tuck into weekday lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze cooked mojo chicken! Slice or shred the meat, then pack it tightly in freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for another burst of Cuban flavor.

Reheating

Warm leftover chicken gently in a skillet or oven until just heated through, drizzling with a splash of extra sauce or citrus juice to keep it extra juicy. For a quick lunch fix, pop slices in the microwave and top with your favorite fresh garnishes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a big burst of flavor to break up your dinner routine, Cuban Mojo Chicken is a total game changer. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving that garlicky-citrus marinade again and again—so gather your friends, fire up the grill, and let the mojo magic happen!

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