– **Title**: Cuban Mojo Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
– Lime wedges for serving
– **Instructions**:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well blended to create the marinade.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
5. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. If using an oven, bake in a preheated dish for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.
6. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice or serve whole.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your flavorful Cuban Mojo Chicken!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks: Bone-in and skin-on cuts keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. You could use boneless chicken pieces, but they might dry out quicker. My personal favorite is the combination of both thighs and drumsticks for their varying textures.
Fresh Citrus Juices: Fresh orange and lime juice are key to that signature mojo flavor. If you don’t have fresh juice, bottled will work in a pinch, though the taste might not be as bright. You could also substitute with lemon juice, but it will alter the flavor a bit.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong, rich flavor. You can use garlic powder if you’re in a hurry, about 1-2 teaspoons. However, fresh is always my favorite for its robust taste and aroma!
Spices: Ground cumin, oregano, and paprika make this dish aromatic. If you don’t have cumin, coriander can enhance the flavor too. For added heat, try a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Bell Peppers and Onions: These provide sweetness and crunch. You can substitute with other veggies like zucchini or asparagus if you prefer. I enjoy adding a bit of jalapeño for a subtle spice kick!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing flavor. Make sure to let it soak for at least 2 hours; overnight is best. This allows the chicken to absorb the spices and citrus.
- Mix your marinade thoroughly to combine all flavors before adding chicken.
- Cover the bowl tightly or use a zip-top bag to prevent leaks.
- Turn the chicken halfway through marinating to ensure even flavor.
Using a roasting method gets the skin crispy, which I love! Baking at a high temperature helps. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked, but let it rest before serving to maintain juiciness.
How to Make Cuban Mojo Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 4 chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
For Garnish:
- 1-2 fresh oranges, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 2 hours for marinating the chicken. Once marinated, the cooking time is approximately 35-45 minutes. Overall, expect about 3 hours to enjoy your delicious Cuban Mojo Chicken, largely due to marination time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well blended. This flavorful mix is your marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is nicely coated with the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better for full flavor!
3. Preheat the Oven:
After the chicken has marinated, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help get the skin crispy and delicious.
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
On a large baking sheet, arrange the sliced onions and bell peppers evenly as a bed for the chicken. This will help keep the chicken juicy while it cooks.
5. Arrange the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and remove it from the marinade, placing it on top of the vegetables on the baking sheet. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to ensure all that delicious flavor stays in!
6. Add Garnishes:
Grab your sliced oranges and lime, and arrange them around the chicken on the baking sheet. They’ll add extra flavor as the chicken cooks!
7. Bake the Chicken:
Now, put the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 35-45 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden brown and crispy—just how we like it!
8. Rest and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle in the meat!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your Cuban Mojo Chicken with a side of rice or warm bread to soak up all those delicious juices! Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use other cuts like chicken breasts or drumettes, but cooking times may vary. If you opt for boneless cuts, reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Citrus Juice?
If you don’t have fresh orange or lime juice, store-bought juice works in a pinch, but it may lack the same brightness. You could also try using lemon juice alongside a bit of orange zest for a similar flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will be slightly different!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, microwave it, but do so in shorter intervals to avoid drying it out.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance to enhance flavor. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it. If you have leftovers, they also taste great the next day, as the flavors meld even more!
