Cuban Mojo Chicken is bursting with flavor! This dish has juicy chicken marinated in a zesty mix of citrus and garlic that will make your taste buds dance!
It’s so easy to prepare too—just mix the marinade, soak the chicken, and grill or bake it. I love serving it with rice and beans for a tasty meal that feels special!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks: Bone-in, skin-on chicken adds lots of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, skinless chicken breasts work too, but keep an eye on cooking time; they tend to dry out faster.
Fresh Orange and Lime Juice: Fresh juice really enhances the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice can work, but choose the kind without added sugar for the best taste. Lemon juice is a great substitute if you can’t find lime.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for that robust flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but use half the amount since it’s more concentrated. However, fresh is always preferred!
Oregano: Fresh oregano gives the best flavor, but dried oregano is a good substitute. Just use one-third of the amount if using dried. If you like, you can also try other herbs like thyme or basil.
Smoked Paprika: This adds depth to the dish. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works, but you’ll miss that smoky flavor. A bit of chili powder can also give a nice kick!
How Do I Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key to get that delicious mojo flavor into the chicken. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all the marinade ingredients well – the juice, garlic, oils, and spices.
- Use a resealable bag or shallow dish to hold the chicken and marinade. Make sure the marinade covers the chicken fully. Massage it a bit for even flavor!
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. The longer, the better—this tenderizes the meat and lets the flavors soak in.
When you’re ready to cook, bring the chicken to room temperature for about 20 minutes before roasting. This helps it cook evenly.
How to Make Cuban Mojo Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 4 chicken drumsticks
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Baking Dish:
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cuban Mojo Chicken will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 2 hours for marinating (longer for better flavor). Then, it roasts in the oven for about 45-50 minutes. Altogether, plan on around 3 hours, including marinating time. It’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. This marinade is what will give your chicken its amazing flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and drumsticks and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and put it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but if you can, leave it overnight for an extra flavor boost!
3. Roast the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take out a large baking dish and spread the sliced onion evenly on the bottom. Then, place the marinated chicken on top of the onions. Lay the orange and lime slices around the chicken for extra flavor. Pour any leftover marinade over everything in the dish.
4. Cooking Time:
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken turns golden brown and its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Check it with a meat thermometer to be sure!
5. Let it Rest and Garnish:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices inside the chicken stay put. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the chicken with the delicious pan juices on the side.
Enjoy your flavorful Cuban Mojo Chicken!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Instead of Bone-In?
Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs or breasts! They will cook faster, so reduce the roasting time to about 25-35 minutes. Just ensure the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (75°C).
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but if you have the time, letting it sit overnight makes a big difference! Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator during marination.
Can I Make This Recipe with Other Meats?
Absolutely! This mojo marinade works well with pork chops, shrimp, or even firm fish like salmon. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly; for example, shrimp will only need about 10-15 minutes in the oven.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy it as a quick lunch or dinner!
