Why Make This Recipe
Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs are delicious, flavorful, and easy to prepare. This recipe combines the bright taste of citrus with fragrant spices, bringing a taste of Cuba right to your home. It’s perfect for weekend dinners or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
How to Make Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and sear both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your meal!
How to Serve Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs
Serve Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs warm, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pair them with rice, black beans, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with warm tortillas for a delicious twist.
How to Store Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3-4 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label them!
Tips to Make Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juicier results.
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough to get a good sear on the chicken.
Variation
You can make a lighter version of this dish by using skinless chicken thighs. If you prefer, you can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but adjust the cooking time as breasts cook faster.
FAQs
1. Can I use other parts of chicken?
Yes, you can use drumsticks or chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. It has a tangy and flavorful taste but no heat. You can add chili flakes if you like some spice.
3. Can I make this on the grill?
Absolutely! Just marinate the chicken as directed and grill it over medium heat until cooked through. This will give it a nice smoky flavor.
Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1/2 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed is best.
- 1/4 cup lime juice Freshly squeezed is best.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces chicken thighs Bone-in and skin-on are recommended for juiciness.
- 1/4 cup olive oil For searing the chicken.
- to taste fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
Cooking
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and sear both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.