Cuban Mojo Chicken is a tasty dish full of flavor! This chicken is marinated in a zesty mix of citrus juices, garlic, and spices. It’s perfect for grilling or baking!
I love how the bright flavors make my kitchen smell amazing. Pair it with rice and beans for a complete meal that feels like a fiesta every time! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs/Drumsticks: I love using thighs as they stay juicy and tender, but drumsticks work great too! If you prefer white meat, boneless chicken breasts can be used, just adjust cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Fresh Orange and Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juices give this dish a bright flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice works, but fresh is always better! You can also use other citrus like grapefruit for a different zing.
Olive Oil: Olive oil enhances the richness of the marinade. If you’d rather, avocado oil or canola oil can be used, but olive oil has a unique taste that fits well with this recipe.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for depth of flavor. If garlic is not your friend, try using garlic powder—about 1 teaspoon should do—but it won’t pack the same punch.
Spices: Ground cumin and smoked paprika are key players here. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder. Dried thyme could also be a nice twist instead of oregano.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Marinade?
Marinating is all about letting the flavors meld into the meat. For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the chicken to soak up the citrus and spices fully.
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl, whisking well.
- Add the chicken and ensure it’s well-coated, then seal it in a bag or cover it in a dish.
- Refrigerate and let it soak! Turning the bag occasionally helps maximize flavor absorption.
Remember, discard leftover marinade that hasn’t touched raw chicken to avoid foodborne illness. You can use a portion of it for basting if you want extra flavor while cooking.
How to Make Cuban Mojo Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mojo Marinade:
- 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3-4 oranges)
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
For Garnish:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cuban Mojo Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 2 hours to marinate (preferably overnight for extra flavor) plus 35-40 minutes of baking time. So, overall, plan for an afternoon or evening full of wonderful cooking smells!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk Together the Mojo Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed. This tasty marinade is what gives the chicken its flavorful kick!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or, even better, overnight.
3. Prepare for Baking:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the chicken out of the marinade and set it aside. Don’t throw away the leftover marinade yet; you’ll need it later!
4. Arrange the Vegetables:
On a large baking sheet, lay out the sliced red onion and bell peppers to create a colorful bed for your chicken. This will add great flavor and presentation to the dish!
5. Add the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken on top of the sliced vegetables. Pour the reserved marinade over everything. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful as it cooks.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Scatter the sliced orange and lime over the chicken. Now, pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh finish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the flavorful chicken alongside the roasted vegetables, and don’t forget to drizzle some extra mojo sauce over everything if you like. Enjoy this vibrant dish with family or friends—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While thighs and drumsticks work best for their flavor and juiciness, you can use chicken breasts or even a whole chicken if you adjust the cooking time. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Orange or Lime Juice?
No problem! You can substitute with bottled juice, but make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugars for the best flavor. Also, adjust to taste since bottled juices can be more concentrated than fresh.
How Can I Store Leftover Mojo Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken back in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep it juicy, consider adding a splash of water or leftover marinade during reheating.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the mojo marinade a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just keep it in a sealed container. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the taste even more!
