Cuban Mojo Chicken is a super flavorful dish that shines with citrusy garlic goodness! This tasty recipe features chicken marinated in a zesty mix of orange juice, lime, and spices.
Marinating the chicken makes it juicy and bursting with flavor. I love serving it with rice and black beans for a complete meal. Your taste buds will thank you! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs/Drumsticks: Both cuts are juicy and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but they may need less cooking time to prevent drying out.
Olive Oil: A staple for marinades, olive oil adds richness. If you need a substitute, avocado oil works well for a similar flavor. Use canola or vegetable oil for a neutral option.
Fresh Citrus Juices: Orange and lime juices are key for that zesty mojo flavor. If fresh citrus isn’t available, bottled juices can work, but ensure they are 100% juice without added sugars.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for depth. If you don’t have fresh, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute, but fresh is always best!
Cumin and Oregano: These spices bring warmth and flavor. If cumin isn’t on hand, smoked paprika can add a different but tasty twist. For oregano, Italian seasoning could be a quick alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Flavorful and Tender?
Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing flavor and ensuring it’s juicy when cooked. Letting it sit overnight really enhances the taste, but even an hour of marinating works well. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade and refrigerate it in a sealed bag or container to lock in moisture.
- Use a fork to poke small holes in the chicken. This helps the marinade penetrate better.
- Before cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes for even cooking.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
How to Make Cuban Mojo Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks, skin-on
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Roasting:
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cuban Mojo Chicken will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to marinate (overnight is best!). After marinating, it will take about 35-40 minutes to roast in the oven. So, overall, plan for some waiting time to let the flavors blend!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This will create a tasty marinade that adds lots of flavor to the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs or drumsticks and place them in a resealable bag or a dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well-coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish and put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, let it sit overnight for even more flavor.
3. Prepare for Roasting:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, lay out the sliced onion, red bell pepper, orange, and lime slices evenly. Then, place the marinated chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. This way, they’ll cook together and share their delicious flavors!
4. Roast the Chicken:
Next, pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and vegetables on the baking sheet. Now, pop it into your preheated oven and roast for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Optionally, you can serve lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch. Enjoy your flavorful Cuban Mojo Chicken!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chicken thighs or drumsticks, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even whole chickens. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; breasts may cook faster, so be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to prevent them from drying out.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Citrus Juice?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh orange or lime juice, you can use bottled juice. Just ensure it’s 100% juice with no added sugars for the best flavor. For a twist, you can also substitute with other citrus juices like lemon or grapefruit for a unique flavor profile.
How to Store Leftover Mojo Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish covered loosely with foil to keep it moist and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until warmed up.
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Yes, marinating the chicken for longer can enhance the flavor! You can marinate it for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Just be cautious not to exceed 48 hours, as the acidity in the citrus juice can begin to break down the chicken, making it mushy.
