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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.

Grilled Mojo Chicken stacked on a platter with lime and orange wedges on the side
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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.

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

Mojo Chicken Ingredients - chicken thighs, orange juice, lime, garlic, olive oil, cilantro, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper
  • 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

Chicken thighs placed in a ziplock bag with bowls of lime juice, minced garlic and orange juice

Step 1 – Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.

Adding the mojo marinade ingredients in a bowl

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.

Marinade poured over the chicken thighs in a ziplock bag

Step 3 – Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Marinating the chicken thighs in a zip lock bag

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.
Mojo Chicken on a plate over white rice

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. For a light and refreshing side dish, make this Grilled Watermelon.

Mojo chicken on white rice with slice of orange and lime

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Other Ways I can Cook Mojo Chicken?

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.

How to Store Leftover Mojo Chicken

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.

Can I Freeze Mojo Chicken?

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

If you make this Mojo Chicken Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love hearing from you.

Mojo Chicken Recipe

5 from 1 vote
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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Refrigerate marinade 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings 4
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 360

Ingredients

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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!

Recipe Notes

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.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 360kcal, Carbohydrates 7g, Protein 44g, Fat 17g, Saturated Fat 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat 3g, Monounsaturated Fat 8g, Trans Fat 0.04g, Cholesterol 215mg, Sodium 203mg, Potassium 680mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 4g, Vitamin A 292IU, Vitamin C 24mg, Calcium 44mg, Iron 3mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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