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If you’ve been craving a dish that bursts with vibrant citrus flavors and smoky char, you’re in for a treat with this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of zesty lime, sweet orange, and aromatic spices, all coming together to create juicy, tender chicken that feels like a warm Cuban breeze on your plate. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual dinner or impressing friends at your next cookout, this recipe brings an irresistible taste of the tropics that’s surprisingly simple but endlessly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, combining to deliver a balanced marinade that gives the chicken its signature Cuban flair. Each component plays a role, from the citrus juices tenderizing the meat to the spices adding depth and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice: Adds bright acidity that tenderizes and infuses flavor.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the tangy lime.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps blend the marinade and keeps the chicken moist on the grill.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a pungent, aromatic base note that enhances overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces smoky warmth typical of Cuban seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends an earthy herbaceous touch.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the chicken’s natural juices.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers mild heat and sharpness to the mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adjusts the spice level with a gentle kick.
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Your lean, tender protein canvas.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Freshness and color for garnishing and added flavor.
- Lime wedges, as needed: The finishing touch for a zesty squeeze right before serving.
How to Make Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl until everything is smoothly combined. This marinade is the soul of your Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe, designed to tenderize and pack every bite with bold, tangy, and smoky notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, then pour over the vibrant marinade. Make sure each piece is fully coated, then seal or cover and refrigerate. Let the chicken soak up these flavors for at least 2 hours, but if you have the time, 4 to 6 hours is perfect for maximum depth and juiciness.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
When it’s time to cook, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). This temperature is crucial—it allows you to develop a beautiful char while keeping the interior tender and juicy.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the marinade, shake off the excess, and discard the leftover liquid. Place the breasts directly on the grill grates and cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring that your chicken is fully cooked but still delightfully moist.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for around 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in succulent, tender bites. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro all over and present lime wedges to bring that extra zesty punch to the table.
How to Serve Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is an absolute must—it brightens the smoky grilled flavors and adds a pop of color that’s visually inviting. A squeeze of fresh lime just before eating brings the whole dish to life, cutting through the richness and lifting each bite into something truly special.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like Cuban black beans and rice, sweet plantains, or a simple green salad with avocado. The creamy, slightly sweet notes of these sides complement the lively citrus and spice of the chicken perfectly, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your grilled chicken sliced over warm corn tortillas for a Cuban-inspired taco night, or dice it up into a vibrant salad with ripe mango and a sprinkle of queso fresco. It’s equally delicious served as the protein centerpiece alongside roasted vegetables or tucked into a sandwich with pickled onions and fresh lettuce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover grilled Cuban chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and juicy for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or adding a flavorful protein boost to your next meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep your delicious grilled Cuban chicken longer, freezing is your friend. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken can be stored for up to 3 months without sacrificing too much flavor or texture.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil to maintain moisture, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to dry out grilled chicken quickly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay even juicier on the grill. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs will take a little longer to cook through compared to breasts.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
While 2 hours is the minimum to get some flavor inside the chicken, marinating for 4 to 6 hours is ideal. This allows the citrus and spices to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing tenderness and taste.
Is there a substitute for fresh lime and orange juice?
Fresh juices are preferred for their brightness and authenticity, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lime and orange juice can be used. Just aim for high-quality versions without added sugar for the best results.
Can I make this recipe indoors on a grill pan?
Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stove will do the trick. Preheat the pan well and cook the chicken similarly, but keep a close eye to avoid burning due to the pan’s intense heat.
What level of spiciness does this recipe have?
This recipe offers a gentle warmth from the cayenne pepper, which you can adjust to your liking. Use less cayenne for mild flavor or add a bit more if you enjoy a spicy kick that complements the citrusy marinade.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe—it’s simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to become a weekend favorite. The blend of citrus, spices, and smoky grill marks creates a dish that feels both exotic and comforting. I truly hope you give it a try and watch it become a staple in your cooking rotation, bringing a refreshing taste of Cuban tradition right to your table.
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Print
Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Cuban
Description
This Grilled Cuban Chicken recipe combines tangy citrus juices with aromatic spices to create a flavorful and juicy chicken dish. Marinated for several hours, the chicken breasts are grilled to perfection with a slightly charred exterior and moist, tender interior. Perfect for a quick yet delicious meal that brings the vibrant taste of Cuba to your table.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spiciness)
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well blended to create a vibrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 to 6 hours, to let the flavors fully infuse the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, between 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C), ensuring the grill is hot enough to achieve a nice char without burning the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess marinade and discarding the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for about 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute through the meat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor, up to 6 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
- Serve with rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete Cuban-inspired meal.
- If you don’t have a grill, this chicken can also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or baked in the oven.
