Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe is a delicious and healthy dish with roots in Cuban cuisine. It features tender chicken marinated in a tangy and zesty sauce known as “mojo,” which typically consists of garlic, citrus juice (like orange and lime), and various herbs and spices.
The dish is easy to prepare, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced cooks. The chicken is marinated in the mojo sauce, allowing the flavors to infuse and create a delightful taste profile. Once marinated, the chicken is usually grilled or roasted to perfection, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat.
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Cuban Mojo Chicken is known for its vibrant flavors and versatile nature. The combination of garlic and citrus provides a unique tanginess that complements the natural richness of the chicken. The marinade infuses the meat with a delightful mix of savory and citrusy notes that make it a crowd-pleaser for various occasions.
Apart from its delicious taste, Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipes also offers some health benefits. It is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle development and repair. The mojo sauce, with its garlic and citrus components, provides several vitamins and minerals that support a healthy immune system and overall well-being.
As a food blogger who prepared this dish, I can vouch for its simplicity and the delightful reaction it received from my family and friends. Whether served with rice and beans or in sandwiches, this Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe is sure to be a hit at any mealtime.
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In summary, the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe is a mouthwatering and versatile dish that boasts a tangy and zesty flavor profile. Its simple preparation and potential health benefits make it an excellent addition to any meal rotation. Whether you’re a fan of Cuban cuisine or just looking to try something new, this dish is worth exploring in your kitchen.
How To Make Our Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe
Ingredients (8 Servings)
Chicken
5 lbs chicken
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Cuban Mojo Marinade
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
4 tablespoons butter, melted OR 1/4 cup olive oil
8 cloves garlic, chopped finely
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
4 garlic cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (lightly packed)
Orange and lime slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, melted butter (or olive oil), finely chopped garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, chopped fresh mint leaves, ground black pepper, and chopped cilantro.
a. Measure 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil and pour it into the bowl.
b. Squeeze 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice and 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice directly into the bowl.
c. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of orange zest to the mixture.
d. Measure 1/4 cup of melted butter OR 1/4 cup of olive oil and incorporate it into the marinade.
e. Finely chop 8 cloves of garlic and add them to the bowl.
f. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and ground cumin into the marinade.
g. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the mixture.
h. Tear 2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves and toss them into the bowl.
i. Crush 4 garlic cloves and include them in the marinade.
j. Finally, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper over the mixture and add 1/4 cup of lightly packed chopped cilantro.
2. Mix the marinade thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
a. Use a whisk or a fork to blend the ingredients together.
b. Continue mixing until you achieve a homogeneous and fragrant marinade.
3. Place the roasted chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
a. Ensure that the chicken is clean and pat it dry with paper towels.
b. Transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, which allows for better coating with the marinade.
4. Pour the Cuban Mojo Marinade over the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated.
a. Open the resealable plastic bag or pour the marinade directly onto the chicken in the shallow dish.
b. Ensure that all parts of the chicken are covered with the marinade.
5. Seal the plastic bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
a. Press out as much air as possible before sealing the plastic bag to keep the chicken from drying out.
b. If using a dish, tightly cover it with plastic wrap to create a sealed environment for the chicken.
6. Once the chicken has marinated, preheat the grill or oven to the desired temperature.
a. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
b. For roasting, preheat the oven to the specified temperature.
7. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking.
a. Allowing the chicken to come to room temperature ensures more even cooking.
8. Grill or roast the chicken until it reaches the desired internal temperature and is cooked through.
a. If grilling, place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook each side until it develops grill marks and reaches the recommended internal temperature.
b. If roasting, place the chicken on a roasting pan or baking sheet and cook in the preheated oven until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Estimated Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: Varies depending on the cooking method (grilling or roasting) and the size of the chicken pieces. Typically, it takes around 30-40 minutes for grilling and 1 hour or more for roasting.
Pots, Pan and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe
Large mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
Grill or roasting pan
Tongs (for grilling)
Basting brush or spoon (for roasting)
Best Way to Store Leftovers From Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe
a. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
b. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
c. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container.
d. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
e. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.
f. Avoid leaving leftovers at room temperature for extended periods.
Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation
Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
Use fresh citrus juices for a zesty taste.
Massage the marinade into the chicken for even distribution.
Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking for better results.
Baste the chicken with marinade while grilling or roasting for added juiciness.
Garnish with fresh herbs and citrus slices for an appealing presentation.
Side Dishes and Desserts For the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe
a. Cilantro lime rice
b. Black beans and rice
c. Grilled vegetables (such as zucchini and bell peppers)
d. Tropical fruit salad
e. Avocado salad with lime dressing
f. Cuban-style black bean soup
How To Serve the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe
a. Place the cooked Cuban Mojo Chicken on a serving platter.
b. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and citrus slices, if desired.
c. Serve alongside your choice of side dishes.
d. Invite guests to help themselves and enjoy the flavorful meal.
e. This dish pairs well with warm tortillas or crusty Cuban bread.
f. Store any leftover sides and chicken following the leftover storage instructions.
Dietary Substitution For the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe
1. Vegan Options for the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe:
a. Substitute roasted chicken with marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh.
b. Replace butter with melted vegan butter or extra virgin olive oil.
c. Use plant-based butter or vegetable broth instead of butter for added richness.
d. Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to sweeten the marinade.
e. Opt for plant-based yogurt in place of regular yogurt for a creamy texture.
2. Gluten-Free Options for the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe:
a. Ensure all ingredients, including spices, are certified gluten-free.
b. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
c. Replace regular orange juice with fresh-squeezed gluten-free orange juice.
d. Choose a gluten-free alternative for the dried oregano and ground cumin.
e. Use a gluten-free thickener (such as cornstarch) if needed for the marinade.
3. Vegetarian Options for the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe:
a. Keep the marinade ingredients as-is, omitting the chicken entirely.
b. Substitute the roasted chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant.
c. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor.
d. Opt for vegetable butter or olive oil in place of regular butter.
e. Replace the chicken with canned or cooked chickpeas for a protein source.
4. Mediterranean Diet Options for the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe:
a. Keep the marinade ingredients unchanged, focusing on fresh and wholesome ingredients.
b. Serve the Cuban Mojo Chicken with a side of Mediterranean quinoa salad.
c. Pair the dish with a Greek-inspired cucumber and tomato salad.
d. Use the marinade to flavor grilled Mediterranean-style vegetables.
e. Accompany the chicken with a side of hummus and whole-grain pita bread.
5. Keto Diet Options for the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe:
a. Use a sugar-free sweetener (e.g., erythritol or stevia) instead of honey in the marinade.
b. Substitute orange juice with freshly squeezed lemon juice to reduce carb content.
c. Choose cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles as low-carb side dishes.
d. Replace orange and lime slices with thinly sliced avocado for garnish.
e. Serve the Cuban Mojo Chicken with a side of keto-friendly coleslaw.
6. Heart Healthy Diet Options for the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe:
a. Opt for skinless chicken breasts to reduce saturated fat content.
b. Replace butter with heart-healthy olive oil for a monounsaturated fat source.
c. Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce sodium intake.
d. Serve the chicken with a side of steamed broccoli for added fiber.
e. Choose brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for whole grain benefits.
7. Paleo Options for the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe:
a. Keep the marinade ingredients as-is, focusing on natural and unprocessed components.
b. Use ghee (clarified butter) in place of regular butter for a paleo-friendly fat source.
c. Substitute honey with maple syrup for a paleo-approved sweetener.
d. Serve the Cuban Mojo Chicken with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice.
e. Garnish the dish with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.
8. Low Carb Options for the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe:
a. Replace orange juice with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice for lower carbs.
b. Opt for coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce carb content.
c. Use a low-carb sweetener (e.g., monk fruit or erythritol) in place of honey.
d. Serve the Cuban Mojo Chicken with a side of sautéed zucchini or cauliflower mash.
e. Garnish with sliced cucumber and chopped mint leaves.
9. Whole 30 Options for the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe:
a. Keep the marinade ingredients unchanged, avoiding added sugars and dairy.
b. Serve the Cuban Mojo Chicken with a side of roasted sweet potatoes.
c. Choose cauliflower rice as a Whole30-approved grain substitute.
d. Replace the butter with ghee for a Whole30-friendly fat source.
e. Garnish with compliant ingredients like sliced avocado and fresh cilantro.
10. Weight Watchers Options for the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe:
a. Use skinless chicken breasts to reduce SmartPoints.
b. Replace butter with a low-fat cooking spray to cut down on added fat.
c. Opt for zero-point soy sauce or tamari to decrease point values.
d. Serve the Cuban Mojo Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables to keep points low.
e. Garnish with zero-point ingredients such as cucumber slices and parsley.
11. Low Fat Options for the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe:
a. Choose skinless chicken breasts to reduce overall fat content.
b. Replace the butter with a low-fat cooking spray or vegetable broth.
c. Use fresh herbs and citrus juices for flavor instead of added fats.
d. Serve the Cuban Mojo Chicken with a side of mixed greens or a light salad.
e. Garnish with sliced radishes and green onions for added freshness.
12. Vegetable Variations for the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe:
a. Skip the chicken entirely and marinate a medley of grilled vegetables.
b. Use the marinade to flavor roasted cauliflower or broccoli florets.
c. Substitute roasted chicken with marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms.
d. Serve the vegetable variation with a side of quinoa or brown rice.
e. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil and parsley to enhance the vegetable flavors.
Please note that the given substitutions are general suggestions, and individual dietary needs and preferences may vary. It’s always recommended to check labels, choose quality ingredients, and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.
FAQ About the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe
What is the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe?
The Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe is a flavorful and zesty dish featuring tender roasted chicken marinated in a tangy blend of citrus juices, garlic, and aromatic spices, resulting in a mouthwatering Cuban-inspired meal.
How long should I marinate the Cuban Mojo Chicken?
For optimal flavor, it is recommended to marinate the Cuban Mojo Chicken for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Allowing the chicken to marinate for an extended period enhances its taste and tenderness.
Can I make the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe vegan?
Yes, you can! To make a vegan version, substitute the roasted chicken with marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh. Use vegan butter or extra virgin olive oil, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the marinade.
Is the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe can be made gluten-free. Ensure that all ingredients, including spices, are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and choose a gluten-free thickener, if needed, for the marinade.
What are some recommended side dishes to serve with the Cuban Mojo Chicken?
There are several delicious side dishes that pair well with the Cuban Mojo Chicken. Consider serving it with cilantro lime rice, black beans and rice, grilled vegetables, tropical fruit salad, or an avocado salad with lime dressing for a complete and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
The Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe is a delightful dish featuring tender roasted chicken marinated in a tangy blend of citrus juices, garlic, and aromatic spices. Its flavors are vibrant and refreshing, making it a popular choice for various occasions. The marinade infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of savory and citrusy notes, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
One of the great things about the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe is its versatility. Whether you grill it to perfection or roast it in the oven, the result is always juicy and full of flavor. The dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as cilantro lime rice, black beans and rice, or grilled vegetables, allowing you to tailor it to suit your taste and preferences.
In addition to its delicious taste, the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe also offers potential health benefits. It is a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle development and repair. The marinade, with its garlic and citrus components, provides vitamins and minerals that support a healthy immune system and overall well-being.
In conclusion, the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe is a delightful and versatile dish with a tangy and zesty flavor profile. Its potential health benefits, combined with its delicious taste, make it a favorite choice for both casual meals and special occasions. So, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to savor a flavorsome meal, the Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe is a fantastic option to consider.
Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Resealable Plastic Bag or Shallow Dish
- Grill or roasting pan
- Tongs (for grilling)
- Basting brush or spoon (for roasting)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 5 lbs chicken
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Cuban Mojo Marinade
- 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 4 tablespoons butter melted OR 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic chopped finely
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1/4 cup cilantro lightly packed chopped
- Orange and lime slices for garnish optional
Instructions
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, melted butter (or olive oil), finely chopped garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, chopped fresh mint leaves, ground black pepper, and chopped cilantro.
- a. Measure 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil and pour it into the bowl.
- b. Squeeze 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice and 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice directly into the bowl.
- c. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of orange zest to the mixture.
- d. Measure 1/4 cup of melted butter OR 1/4 cup of olive oil and incorporate it into the marinade.
- e. Finely chop 8 cloves of garlic and add them to the bowl.
- f. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and ground cumin into the marinade.
- g. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the mixture.
- h. Tear 2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves and toss them into the bowl.
- i. Crush 4 garlic cloves and include them in the marinade.
- j. Finally, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper over the mixture and add 1/4 cup of lightly packed chopped cilantro.
Mix the marinade thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
- a. Use a whisk or a fork to blend the ingredients together.
- b. Continue mixing until you achieve a homogeneous and fragrant marinade.
Place the roasted chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- a. Ensure that the chicken is clean and pat it dry with paper towels.
- b. Transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, which allows for better coating with the marinade.
Pour the Cuban Mojo Marinade over the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated.
- a. Open the resealable plastic bag or pour the marinade directly onto the chicken in the shallow dish.
- b. Ensure that all parts of the chicken are covered with the marinade.
Seal the plastic bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- a. Press out as much air as possible before sealing the plastic bag to keep the chicken from drying out.
- b. If using a dish, tightly cover it with plastic wrap to create a sealed environment for the chicken.
Once the chicken has marinated, preheat the grill or oven to the desired temperature.
- a. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- b. For roasting, preheat the oven to the specified temperature.
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking.
- a. Allowing the chicken to come to room temperature ensures more even cooking.
Grill or roast the chicken until it reaches the desired internal temperature and is cooked through.
- a. If grilling, place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook each side until it develops grill marks and reaches the recommended internal temperature.
- b. If roasting, place the chicken on a roasting pan or baking sheet and cook in the preheated oven until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
