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Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs


  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (with 30 min marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs are incredibly flavorful and easy to make, bringing vibrant Cuban tastes to your kitchen. Perfect for a weeknight meal or casual gathering, this recipe offers deep, zesty flavors with minimal effort, making it a true weeknight hero for busy home cooks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)

  • Instructions

    1. 1. Prepare the Mojo Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh cilantro, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and optional apple cider vinegar. Ensure all ingredients are well combined. The mixture should look slightly emulsified and fragrant.

    2. 2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared mojo marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. If marinating longer than 2 hours, turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even distribution of the marinade.

    3. 3. Preheat Your Cooking Surface: If pan-searing, heat a large skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. If baking, preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

    4. 4. Cook the Chicken: For pan-searing, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off (discard the remaining marinade). Place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C). If baking, arrange the marinated chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear, reaching an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).

    5. 5. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet or oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and moist chicken.

    6. 6. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the chicken thighs or serve them whole. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if desired. These Mojo Chicken Thighs are now ready to be enjoyed with your favorite side dishes.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: pan-searing, baking
    • Cuisine: cuban

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh

    Keywords: chicken, mojo, cuban, citrus, garlic, easy, weeknight, flavorful, marinade, thighs