Name: Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1/2 cup fresh orange juice; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

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why make this recipe

Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs are a fantastic dish that brings a burst of flavor and warmth to your table. The marinade made from orange and lime juices, combined with garlic, herbs, and spices, gives the chicken a tasty, zesty profile. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or just a delicious way to enjoy chicken. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also smells incredible as it cooks, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

how to make Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Directions:

Creating Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs is a delightful process that brings your kitchen alive with aromatic scents. Follow these simple steps to prepare this amazing dish:

In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cilantro, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy).
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible for enhanced flavor.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
If desired, switch to broil for an additional 3-5 minutes to achieve crispy skin. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Optionally, garnish with extra chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

By following these steps, you’ll create an impressive dish that bursts with flavor and authenticity.

how to serve Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs

Serve your Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs hot, alongside rice, black beans, or a fresh salad. You can also add plantains for a truly authentic Cuban experience. Drizzling some extra marinade or a squeeze of lime over the top enhances the flavor even more!

how to store Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is cooled completely before sealing it. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs

Let the chicken marinate longer, ideally overnight, to absorb even more flavor.
If you want extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
For a more intense flavor, grill the chicken instead of baking it.

variation

For a different twist, try using chicken breasts instead of thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as breasts cook faster. You can also experiment by adding other herbs like parsley or using different citrus juices, such as grapefruit.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they will cook faster than bone-in thighs.

2. Can I use bottled juice instead of fresh?
While fresh juices provide the best flavor, you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Just be sure to look for natural options without added sugars.

3. What can I serve with Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs?
These chicken thighs pair well with rice, black beans, fried plantains, or a light salad. They also go great with a fresh salsa or guacamole!