Description
Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs deliver a zesty punch straight from Havana’s kitchen, bringing serious flavor to your dinner table. Marinated in citrus and herbs, these tender chicken thighs will make your taste buds dance with authentic Cuban spirit.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Proteins:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Citrus Base:
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine 120 ml orange juice, 60 ml lime juice, 60 ml olive oil, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and optional ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes in a large mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly until ingredients are fully integrated.
- Transfer 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag. Pour entire marinade mixture over chicken, ensuring each piece gets completely saturated. Seal and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, preferably 12-16 hours.
- Heat oven to 218°C (425°F). Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature.
- Use paper towels to thoroughly pat chicken thighs dry. This crucial step guarantees crispy skin.
- Heat large oven-safe skillet over medium-high temperature. Add small amount of olive oil. Carefully place chicken skin-side down, searing for 4-5 minutes until skin turns golden brown and crisp.
- Carefully flip chicken pieces. Pour remaining marinade into skillet, allowing liquid to bubble around meat.
- Transfer skillet directly into preheated oven. Roast chicken for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Check doneness with meat thermometer inserted into thickest part.
- Remove skillet from oven. Allow chicken to rest 5-7 minutes before serving. Spoon pan juices over top of chicken for extra flavor intensity.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to ensure maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
- Use fresh citrus juice from oranges and limes for the most authentic and bright mojo marinade taste.
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry before grilling to help achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior with beautiful char marks.
- For a lower-carb version, replace traditional marinade with a simplified blend of citrus, garlic, and herbs, which still delivers incredible Cuban-style flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg