Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs Recipe
This vibrant Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a tangy citrus and garlic mojo sauce made from lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, and traditional Cuban spices. The marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavors of cumin, oregano, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. After marinating, the chicken is pan-seared to crispy perfection and served garnished with fresh cilantro, making it a delicious and authentic Cuban-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including marination time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the skillet: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down first to crisp the skin.
- Cook the chicken: Sear the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side until the skin is golden brown and crisp and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaching 165°F or 74°C). Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning.
- Rest and garnish: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving to add a fresh, herbal brightness to the dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- If you prefer, you can grill the chicken thighs instead of pan-searing; preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Serving with white rice or black beans complements the citrusy mojo flavors well.
- Use fresh lime and orange juice for the best authentic taste rather than bottled juice.
Keywords: Cuban chicken, mojo chicken, chicken thighs recipe, citrus marinade chicken, easy Cuban dinner, garlicky chicken
Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/cuban-mojo-chicken-thighs-recipe/
