Cuban Mojo Chicken is a bright and zesty dish packed with flavor. The chicken is marinated in a tasty mix of garlic, citrus juices, and spices, making every bite refreshing!
I can’t resist the tangy goodness of the marinade. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing while it cooks! I love serving it with rice and black beans—so good together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks: I love using thighs for their juicy texture, but drumsticks work just as well! If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute with chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may not stay as juicy.
Fresh Orange and Lime Juice: Fresh juice brightens this dish. If you don’t have fresh, bottled juice can work, but it might not have the same vibrant flavor. Try to pick brands without added sugars.
Garlic: Garlic is key for flavor! If you’re not a fan of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work, but use less since it’s more concentrated. About 1-2 teaspoons should do.
Spices: Ground cumin and dried oregano bring warmth and depth. If you don’t have oregano, Italian seasoning can be a quick substitute. For extra heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes!
Bell Peppers: I like the mix of red and green for sweetness and crunch, but you can swap for any color peppers or even use zucchini or asparagus if you want to mix it up!
How Can I Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Marinated?
Marinating the chicken is crucial for flavor. It allows the chicken to soak up the tasty marinade, making it more delicious. Here are some tips:
- Use a zip-top bag for easy mixing and ensure all surfaces of the chicken are coated.
- For the best flavor, aim for at least 2 hours of marinating, but overnight in the fridge is ideal.
- Feel free to flip the bag halfway through if you are marinating overnight, ensuring even flavor absorption.
How to Make Cuban Mojo Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cuban Mojo Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 2 hours to marinate in the refrigerator (overnight is best!). Then, you’ll need around 40 minutes in the oven. Total time is about 3 hours, but most of that is just letting the chicken soak up those great flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Marinade:
Start by making the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). This is where all the flavor starts!
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks into a zip-top bag or a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat every piece well. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you can, let it sit overnight for even more flavor!
3. Preparing for Roasting:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting, prepare your veggies. On a large baking sheet, spread out the sliced onion and bell peppers. They will roast beautifully alongside the chicken.
4. Arranging the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and place it on top of the sliced vegetables on the baking sheet. Don’t forget to arrange the lime and orange slices around the chicken; they’ll add great flavor as they roast.
5. Roasting the Chicken:
Now it’s time to roast! Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and delicious.
6. Finishing Up:
Once the chicken is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy!
7. Serving:
Serve your Cuban Mojo Chicken with the roasted vegetables and drizzle some of the pan juices over everything. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor! Enjoy this lovely dish with your family or friends!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs or Drumsticks?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken breasts can be used, but they might need a slightly longer cooking time to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Make sure to check for doneness using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Citrus Juices?
If you don’t have fresh orange or lime juice, you can substitute with bottled juices. Just be sure to choose pure juices without added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor. You can also use a combination of lemon juice and a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness of orange juice!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. Just remember, if marinating for longer than 4 hours, be sure to keep it in the refrigerator to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Can I Make This Recipe on the Grill?
Yes! To grill the chicken, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through. You can still grill the vegetables on the side in a grill basket. Enjoy the smoky flavor!
