Print

Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs Recipe

Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and juicy dish featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, and traditional Cuban spices. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a succulent weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, delivering crispy skin and vibrant citrus-infused meat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. This will create the classic mojo flavor base for the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for roasting the chicken with a crispy skin.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and arrange them skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Discard any leftover marinade to avoid contamination.
  5. Roast in the Oven: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  6. Rest the Chicken: After roasting, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender and juicy.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chicken thighs with freshly chopped cilantro before serving to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the citrus marinade perfectly.

Notes

  • Marinating for longer than 4 hours can cause the citrus juice to start cooking the chicken and alter the texture.
  • For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken during the last 2-3 minutes of roasting but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • Serve with rice, black beans, or a fresh salad to complete the Cuban-inspired meal.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
  • Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cuban Mojo Chicken, Mojo Chicken Thighs, Cuban Chicken recipe, Citrus marinated chicken, Oven roasted chicken thighs

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/cuban-mojo-chicken-thighs-recipe/