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1. Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe 1

Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe

5 from 1 vote
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 1826
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

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)

Method
 

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.
  1. a. Measure 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil and pour it into the bowl.
  2. b. Squeeze 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice and 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice directly into the bowl.
  3. c. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of orange zest to the mixture.
  4. d. Measure 1/4 cup of melted butter OR 1/4 cup of olive oil and incorporate it into the marinade.
  5. e. Finely chop 8 cloves of garlic and add them to the bowl.
  6. f. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and ground cumin into the marinade.
  7. g. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the mixture.
  8. h. Tear 2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves and toss them into the bowl.
  9. i. Crush 4 garlic cloves and include them in the marinade.
  10. 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.
  1. a. Use a whisk or a fork to blend the ingredients together.
  2. 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.
  1. a. Ensure that the chicken is clean and pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. 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.
  1. a. Open the resealable plastic bag or pour the marinade directly onto the chicken in the shallow dish.
  2. 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.
  1. a. Press out as much air as possible before sealing the plastic bag to keep the chicken from drying out.
  2. 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.
  1. a. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Notes

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.