This Cuban Mojo Chicken is an incredibly flavorful dish, roasted to golden perfection with a delicious citrusy, garlic-infused marinade. The key to this recipe is the Mojo marinade, a vibrant blend of orange and lime juices, garlic, herbs, and spices that adds a zesty punch to the chicken. Marinated overnight, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, with a perfectly crisp skin once roasted. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, beans, and fried plantains, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 (5 to 6 pound) roasting chicken

• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

For the Cuban Mojo Marinade:

• Zest of 1 orange

• Zest of 1 lime

• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

• 4 tablespoons melted butter (or ¼ cup olive oil)

• 8 cloves garlic, chopped finely

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¼ cup chopped cilantro (lightly packed)

• Orange and lime slices for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Remove the giblets from the chicken and rinse the bird inside and out. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Make the Mojo Marinade:
   In a small bowl, mix the orange zest, lime zest, orange juice, lime juice, melted butter (or olive oil), garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.

3. Roast the Chicken:
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Take the chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before roasting to bring it to room temperature. Place the marinated chicken in a large roasting pan and discard the marinade. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the chicken.

4. Cook the Chicken:
   Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If the breast gets too golden, tent with aluminum foil. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

5. Serve:
   Garnish with orange and lime slices, if desired. Serve with your favorite sides such as rice, beans, and fried plantains.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 504 kcal

• Fat: 37g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 193mg

• Sodium: 484mg

• Potassium: 451mg

• Carbohydrates: 3g

• Sugar: 1g

• Protein: 35g

• Vitamin A: 1980 IU

• Vitamin C: 14.3mg

• Calcium: 39mg

• Iron: 3.2mg

What is Mojo?

Mojo is a Cuban sauce or marinade known for its bold flavors. It is made from a combination of citrus juices (especially orange and lime), garlic, herbs, and spices, which give it a refreshing and zesty taste. The key to the Mojo marinade is the balance between the sweetness of the orange juice, the tang of lime, the depth of garlic, and the earthy, slightly bitter notes of cumin and oregano. This marinade imparts its vibrant flavors into the chicken, creating a dish that is juicy, aromatic, and full of character. The marinating process also tenderizes the chicken, ensuring every bite is succulent and bursting with flavor.

The Chicken: Tender and Crispy

The star of this dish is the chicken itself. A whole roasting chicken is ideal for this recipe as it allows the Mojo marinade to fully permeate the meat, resulting in a beautifully tender bird with juicy, flavorful meat. The skin crisps up nicely during roasting, providing the perfect texture contrast to the tender interior. By seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper before marinating, we ensure that the base flavors of the chicken are enhanced by the Mojo marinade, which then infuses even deeper into the meat during the marinating process.

The Mojo Marinade: A Citrus Explosion of Flavor

The Mojo marinade is where the magic happens. The combination of orange zest, lime zest, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper gives the chicken its signature Cuban flavor. The zesty citrus flavors bring brightness to the dish, while the garlic and herbs create an aromatic base. The cumin adds a warm, earthy note that balances the sharpness of the citrus, while the cilantro adds a refreshing finish. The butter or olive oil in the marinade helps to bind the flavors together and also contributes to the golden, crispy skin during roasting.

Roasting the Chicken: Perfecting the Golden Skin

Roasting is the best method for cooking the marinated chicken as it allows the skin to crisp up and become golden while locking in the moisture from the marinade. After marinating, the chicken is placed in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C), where it roasts for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The high heat helps the skin caramelize and become crispy while ensuring the meat stays juicy. To prevent the breast from becoming too golden, it is important to tent it with foil if necessary. The result is a perfectly roasted chicken with crisp skin and tender, flavorful meat.

Serving Cuban Mojo Chicken

Once the chicken is roasted, it’s time to carve and serve. A simple garnish of fresh orange and lime slices enhances the vibrant citrus flavors of the dish. Cuban Mojo Chicken is traditionally served with a variety of sides, such as rice, black beans, and fried plantains. The rice soaks up the delicious Mojo marinade, the beans add a hearty texture, and the fried plantains provide a slightly sweet and crispy contrast to the savory chicken.

Nutritional Benefits of Cuban Mojo Chicken

Cuban Mojo Chicken not only delivers incredible flavor but also offers a good source of protein, with each serving providing around 35 grams of protein from the chicken. The chicken also provides essential nutrients like potassium, iron, and vitamin A, while the Mojo marinade adds a boost of vitamin C from the orange and lime juices. The addition of fresh cilantro contributes antioxidants and adds a fresh element to the dish. While the dish is higher in fat due to the chicken’s skin and the butter in the marinade, it still offers a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Cuban Mojo Chicken is the perfect combination of bold, vibrant flavors and tender, juicy chicken. The marinade’s citrusy punch and garlic-forward flavor are the perfect complement to the rich, savory chicken. This recipe is simple to prepare yet provides a gourmet dining experience that’s sure to impress. The fact that it pairs so well with traditional Cuban sides like rice, beans, and fried plantains makes it an ideal choice for a special family dinner or a festive celebration. With its ease of preparation and satisfying flavors, Cuban Mojo Chicken is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the bright and aromatic flavors of Cuban cuisine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cuban Mojo Chicken is a flavorful, aromatic, and satisfying dish that brings together the best of Cuban cooking in one delicious meal. The Mojo marinade infuses the chicken with a zesty citrus flavor, while the roasting process ensures a perfectly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special celebration. Paired with rice, beans, and fried plantains, Cuban Mojo Chicken offers a complete, well-rounded meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. So, fire up your oven, marinate that chicken, and enjoy the bold, vibrant flavors of this Cuban classic!