Mojo Chicken – This vibrant dish, rooted in Cuban cuisine, combines a tangy citrus marinade with savory herbs and spices to create succulent, juicy chicken that can transform any meal into a tropical fiesta.
What is Mojo Chicken?
Mojo Chicken is a dish that’s marinated in Mojo sauce, a popular Cuban condiment made from citrus juice (usually a combination of orange and lime), garlic, olive oil, and a variety of herbs like oregano and cilantro.
It’s traditionally used to marinate meats, especially chicken and pork, giving them a bright, tangy flavor with a hint of spice. The key to its mouthwatering taste is the balance between the acidity of the citrus and the robustness of the garlic and herbs.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Mojo Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange and lime juice is key to getting that authentic citrusy punch.
- Don’t Rush the Marinade: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 2 hours to ensure the flavors fully develop.
- Baste for Extra Flavor: When grilling, baste the chicken with leftover marinade to keep it juicy and intensify the flavor.
- Crisp the Skin: For crispy skin, place the chicken under the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking.
Variations of Mojo Chicken
Mojo Tacos
Shred the chicken and serve in warm tortillas with toppings like avocado, salsa, and crumbled queso fresco.
Mojo Salad:
Serve sliced Mojo Chicken over a fresh salad with mixed greens, black beans, corn, and a zesty lime vinaigrette.
Mojo Chicken Bowl:
Create a balanced bowl by serving chicken over rice, with sides like grilled veggies, beans, and a drizzle of sour cream or cilantro-lime dressing.
Mojo Pork:
Mojo isn’t just for chicken! You can use this same marinade for pork shoulder or tenderloin. Slow-roast it to create a deliciously tender and flavorful alternative.
How to Serve Mojo Chicken
Mojo Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Some classic serving ideas include:
- Cuban Black Beans and Rice: A hearty, traditional side that complements the flavors perfectly.
- Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini grilled to perfection alongside your chicken.
- Tostones (Fried Plantains): These crispy, savory plantains are a great Cuban side dish.
- Fresh Salsa or Guacamole: Add a refreshing and creamy element with these dips on the side.
How to Store and Reheat Mojo Chicken
Storing:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating:
To reheat, place the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken.
Recipe FAQs
How long should I marinate Mojo Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. However, for deeper flavor absorption, it’s ideal to marinate the chicken overnight, giving the citrus and garlic more time to penetrate the meat.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts or drumsticks can also be used. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster, so adjust your cooking time to about 25-30 minutes in the oven or 6 minutes per side on the grill.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Mojo Chicken actually tastes even better after resting for a few hours post-cooking. You can cook it ahead of time, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.
Is Mojo Chicken spicy?
It is not typically spicy, but if you like a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to the marinade.
Mojo Chicken
Mojo Chicken - This vibrant dish, rooted in Cuban cuisine, combines a tangy citrus marinade with savory herbs and spices to create succulent, juicy chicken that can transform any meal into a tropical fiesta.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
For the Marinade:
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ¾ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, lightly packed
- 1 ½ tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Optional Garnishes:
- Orange wedges
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a food processor, blend all marinade ingredients until the cilantro is finely chopped.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 36 hours for the best flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the chicken in a baking pan, skin side down, and pour in any leftover marinade. Add orange wedges for extra citrusy flavor, if desired.
- Cook and Flip: Bake for 30 minutes, then flip the chicken, spoon over pan juices, and bake for another 20 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and orange wedges, if you like.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 580Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 31gCholesterol: 255mgSodium: 802mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 48g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Mojo Chicken is a burst of tropical flavors that’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and a surefire way to impress at your next dinner party or family meal. With its zesty marinade, juicy chicken, and endless serving options, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a recipe that can be customized and tweaked to fit your taste, whether you’re looking for something mild, spicy, or anywhere in between.
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