Cuban mojo chicken is a dish that is full of flavor and spice. It is perfect for a weeknight meal or for entertaining guests. Mojo sauce is a Cuban sauce made with olive oil, citrus juice, garlic, and salt. It’s the perfect sauce for chicken or pork. This recipe is simple to follow and yields delicious results. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make authentic Cuban mojo chicken at home.
What Is Cuban Mojo Chicken?
Cuban mojo chicken is a traditional Cuban dish made with marinated chicken served with mojo sauce. The mojo sauce is made with citrus juice, garlic, and spices. The chicken is often roasted or grilled before being coated in the mojo sauce.
This dish is popular as both a family meal and at Cuban restaurants. It can be served with rice, plantains, and other side dishes for a complete meal. Cuban mojo chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Cuban cuisine.
The origins of Cuban mojo chicken can be traced back to the Canary Islands, where a citrus-based marinade, known as “mojo,” was commonly used to prepare meat dishes. This marinade made its way to Cuba through Spanish colonization and integration with indigenous Taino cooking techniques. Over time, the combination of the mojo marinade and roasted or grilled chicken became a popular dish in Cuban culture.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cuban Mojo Chicken
- Bone-in chicken thighs without the skin
- Oranges
- Limes
- Garlic cloves
- Sprigs of fresh thyme
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Onion
How to Make Cuban Mojo Chicken
- Make the mojo sauce: Combine the juice of 2 oranges and 3 limes, fresh thyme, garlic cloves, oregano, salt, and olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until you have a smooth sauce.
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken thighs in the mojo sauce for at least 1 hour. Marinating overnight is best.
- Thinly slice the onion and place the slices on the bottom of the baking tray.
- Slice the remaining orange and add the slices on top of the onion slices.
- Top with the marinated chicken and drizzle everything with some of the mojo sauce.
- Cook in a preheated oven (375 degrees F/190 degrees C) for 45 minutes.
- Serve over white rice with some of the cooked onions and reduced sauce.
Tips and Variations
This recipe is a bright and tasty authentic Cuban recipe for roasted chicken marinated in mojo sauce. But you can use these tips to change the ingredients up a bit or to make sure you get the best results:
- Authentic mojo sauce is made with bitter oranges, but they are very difficult to find. So this recipe uses a mixture of regular oranges and lime juice. You can also add some grapefruit.
- You can substitute garlic powder for the garlic cloves, but fresh garlic is preferred for its bolder flavor.
- You can add some cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika in the mojo marinade. These spices can amp up the flavor profile of the dish.
- Don’t skimp on the mojo sauce. Pour it over the cooked chicken before serving. But make sure you don’t use the sauce that the raw chicken was marinating in.
- Serve with rice, plantains, and black beans for a traditional Cuban meal.
- Top with fresh cilantro or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Cuban Mojo Chicken FAQs
Can I make the mojo sauce ahead of time?
It is best to use the mojo sauce right after it’s made since the citrus juices change flavor quickly. But if you prep more sauce than you use, you can store it in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to 2 days.
How do I store leftover Cuban mojo chicken?
You can store the leftover cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?
One option would be to marinate and cook tofu or portobello mushrooms in the mojo marinade.
Other Chicken Recipes
Grilled Chicken Kabobs and Marinade
Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken
Bottom Line
Cuban mojo chicken is a delicious and easy dish to add to your weeknight dinner rotation. Despite being simple in ingredients and preparation, Cuban mojo chicken is packed with flavor thanks to the mix of citrus juices, garlic, and spices.
The citrus marinade creates bold and vibrant flavors, while the roasted onions add a touch of sweetness. Serve with rice and other Cuban-inspired side dishes for a complete meal. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family. Buen provecho.
Authentic Cuban Mojo Chicken
A bright and incredibly tasty authentic Cuban recipe for roasted chicken, marinated in Mojo sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in chicken thighs without the skin.
- 3 oranges
- 3 limes
- 6 garlic cloves
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Let’s prepare the mojo sauce: In a food processor combine
the juice of two oranges and 3 limes, fresh thyme, garlic cloves,
oregano, salt, and olive oil, pulse until a smooth sauce is
achieved. - In a bowl marinate the chicken thighs with the mojo sauce for at least 1 hour before roasting (best overnight)
- Peel and slice thinly the onion and add it to the bottom of the baking tray.
- Cut the other orange into wheels and add them on top of the onion slices.
- Add the marinated chicken on top and drizzle everything with a bit of the marinating mojo sauce.
- Cook in the oven for 45 minutes at 374 F/ 190 C
- Serve over white rice with some of the cooked onions and reduced sauce.
Notes
The mojo sauce is best used right after being made, since the citrus change flavor quite quickly. However, if you prep more quantity than the one you end up using, it can be stored in the fridge in a closed crystal jar for up to 2 days.
The mojo sauce is originally made using bitter oranges, but since they are very difficult to get, it’s usual to use a mixture of regular oranges and lime juice. You can also add some grapefruit.
The chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
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