Cuban Mojo Chicken is a tasty dish full of bold flavors from citrus and garlic. The chicken gets marinated in a zesty sauce, making every bite juicy and refreshing!
I love how the tangy marinade makes the chicken shine. It’s perfect for a sunny day BBQ, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds (or thirds)! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks: Bone-in chicken gives great flavor and keeps the meat juicy. If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but be cautious as they can dry out faster during cooking.
Orange and Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juices are best for maximum flavor, but bottled juices work in a pinch. You can mix in lemon juice if you don’t have limes. For a sweeter twist, add a splash of pineapple juice!
Olive Oil: This adds richness. If you are watching calories, avocado oil is a lighter option. Alternatively, coconut oil can give a nice flavor, though it may alter the taste slightly.
Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best aroma. In a pinch, you could substitute garlic powder, but I recommend using fresh for richer flavor.
Spices: Cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika are key to the mojo flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is fine, but it won’t have that smoky essence.
How Can I Marinate the Chicken Effectively?
Marinating is crucial for flavor and tenderness! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix the marinade well so all ingredients combine. A whisk works wonders!
- Use a large resealable bag or glass dish for marinating. This keeps everything contained and allows for easy mixing. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is perfect!
- Make sure every piece of chicken is coated by turning the bag frequently or stirring in a dish.
This way, you’ll achieve maximum flavor when baking!
How to Make Cuban Mojo Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in chicken drumsticks
For The Marinade:
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/2 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Roasted Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
For Garnishing:
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 lime, sliced into rounds
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cuban Mojo Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs to marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best flavor). Baking time is around 45-50 minutes, making the total time approximately 3 hours, including marinating. It’s worth the wait for those amazing flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by whisking together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This zesty mix is your marinade, packed with flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and drumsticks and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a glass dish. Pour the delicious marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece gets coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can. This step makes the chicken extra juicy and tasty!
3. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This hot oven will make the chicken skin wonderfully crispy.
4. Prepare the Veggies:
On a large baking sheet, spread out the sliced onion and bell pepper. These will roast alongside your chicken, soaking up all that yummy flavor.
5. Add the Chicken:
Now, take the marinated chicken and place it on top of the vegetables. Pour any extra marinade over the chicken to enhance the flavor as it cooks.
6. Add Citrus Slices:
Scatter the orange and lime slices over the chicken and veggies. They not only look pretty but add a delightful citrus fragrance while baking!
7. Bake the Chicken:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) with a nice crispy skin.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for that extra pop. Serve this flavorful chicken with the roasted veggies and maybe some rice or crusty bread to soak up all the amazing mojo sauce. Enjoy your feast!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless chicken thighs or breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that boneless cuts may cook faster, so start checking for doneness around 25-30 minutes to prevent drying out.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is actually a great idea! It allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat. Just ensure you keep it in the refrigerator while marinating to maintain food safety.
How to Store Leftover Mojo Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the best flavor and moisture, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
What Should I Serve with Cuban Mojo Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, which helps soak up the flavorful mojo sauce. You might also enjoy it with crusty bread, black beans, or a fresh green salad to complement the vibrant flavors!
