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Take your chicken to the next level with this Mojo Chicken Recipe. This chicken recipe is packed with garlicky, citrus flavors that the whole family loves.
I make a lot of chicken recipes for my large family. So I like to change up the marinade to add different flavors. This mojo marinade has become a family favorite because of the citrus flavors and how juicy the chicken is. You may like this Crock Pot Cuban Mojo Pork Tenderloin or Crock Pot Mojo Chicken Recipe.
Check out these other marinades that my entire family loves – Buttermilk Chicken Marinade, Balsamic Chicken Marinade and Chicken Pickle Juice Marinade.
Table of Contents
What is Mojo Chicken?
Cuban Mojo Chicken is a marinade that is made with orange juice, garlic, and other simple seasoning. It gives chicken a tasty garlic and citrus flavors that makes for a delicious dinner idea.
It works great as a marinade or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – Also works great with chicken breasts or chicken tenders.
- Cloves Garlic, minced – Check out these The Best Garlic Substitutes.
- Fresh Cilantro, finely chopped – Learn How to Cut Cilantro with easy steps and tips.
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Citrus Juices – For added flavor, add in orange zest, lime zest or lemon juice.
- Seasoning – This Mojo Sauce can be seasoned how you prefer. If you like it more garlicky, add in more garlic.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Step 2 – In a separate bowl, mix together the fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped cilantro, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3 – Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Step 4 – Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the chicken to marinate and absorb the flavors.
- Step 5 – Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Step 6 – Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Step 7 – Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill and cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is well-marked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°Fahrenheit.
- Step 8 – Once cooked, transfer the grilled chicken thighs to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Step 9 – Then the chicken is ready to serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Marinating Chicken – Make sure to use a non-reactive dish like glass or plastic when marinating. Marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal for full flavor penetration.
- Rest Chicken – Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy meal.
- Cooking Time – We recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked to 165 degrees. Cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken. I like to pound the chicken so it is about the same size.
- Reserve Marinade – We like to save about a cup of the marinade to serve as a dipping sauce. Make sure to throw away marinade that has been in contact with the raw chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Mojo chicken is a great main dish recipe. It can be served with a variety of side dishes such as Instant pot White Rice Recipe, Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe and Grilled Vegetables in Foil Pack Recipe.
For a low carb option, serve this chicken with Cauliflower Rice Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you prefer you can make this mojo chicken in the oven or in the air fryer. If cooking in the oven, cook in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes. Cooking in the air fryer is another delicious way to enjoy this recipe. Air fry at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. Always make sure to check internal temperature before serving.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the microwave or the air fryer.
Freeze the leftover mojo chicken in a freezer safe container or a ziplock bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
More Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes
Quick and Easy Chicken
Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Quick and Easy Chicken
Sheet Pan Chicken Thigh Dinner
Quick and Easy Air Fryer
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Quick and Easy Chicken
Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe
If you make this Mojo Chicken Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love hearing from you.
Mojo Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- Juice of 2 limes
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped cilantro, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the chicken to marinate and absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill and cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is well-marked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°Fahrenheit.
- Once cooked, transfer the grilled chicken thighs to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Then the chicken is ready to serve and enjoy!
