Juicy Spicy Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
A flavorful grilled chicken recipe inspired by Cuban mojo marinade, featuring citrus, garlic, and spices for a juicy and spicy result.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, pounded to even thickness if using breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup sour orange juice (or a mix of 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice)
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced or pureed
- 1.5 tsp ground cumin
- 1.5 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp complete seasoning (optional, for authentic flavor)
- 1/2 tsp annatto powder (optional, for color)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- Optional: 1-2 red chili peppers, thinly sliced (for spicy version)
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl or a resealable bag, combine the olive oil, sour orange juice (or citrus blend), minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, complete seasoning (if using), annatto powder (if using), black pepper, kosher salt, and sliced red chili peppers (for spicy). Whisk everything together to create the vibrant mojo marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or for best results, overnight.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and shows attractive grill marks. Thinner chicken breasts may cook faster.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result.
- Serve the grilled Cuban chicken with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. It’s excellent alongside rice, black beans, or a vibrant salad.