If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and transports you straight to the heart of the Caribbean, this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Juicy, tender chicken breasts bathed in a zesty marinade of lime and orange juice, fragrant garlic, and warming spices make every bite an irresistible experience. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend gathering or simply want to brighten up your weeknight dinner, this recipe marries simplicity with a bold, soulful taste that you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting layers of flavor, balancing acidity with smokiness and a touch of heat, while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy and aromatic.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice: Adds a bright citrus tang that tenderizes and refreshes the chicken.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the marinade.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to carry flavors and keep the chicken moist on the grill.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory warmth and pungency.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Delivers an earthy, slightly nutty flavor quintessential to Cuban cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and rich color.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings herbaceous notes that balance the citrus and spice.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle peppery kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Offers adjustable heat for those who love a little spice.
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for soaking up all those vibrant flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
- Lime wedges, as needed: For an extra burst of citrus when serving.
How to Make Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl. This vibrant marinade is where all the magic begins, blending citrus brightness with the warmth of spices to create a flavor powerhouse that will infuse the chicken deeply.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring every piece is well coated. Seal it up and refrigerate for at least two hours, but for the fullest flavor, aim for four to six hours. This step is crucial because it allows the chicken to soak in all those zesty, smoky flavors that define the dish.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-high, about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). The grill needs to be hot enough to give the chicken a beautiful char and smoky sear without burning, setting the stage for a perfectly cooked, juicy result.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, then discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side. You want an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked yet still wonderfully moist and tender. The grill marks paired with the marinade’s flavors make this step incredibly satisfying.
Step 5: Rest and Finish
After grilling, transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for about five minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping every bite juicy. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and add lime wedges for that final hit of zesty brightness that elevates the entire dish.
How to Serve Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the star garnish here, adding a burst of color and herbal freshness that complements the smoky, citrus-infused chicken perfectly. Lime wedges provide an optional extra tang for those who want to dial up the brightness right before eating, making each bite vibrant and lively.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe pairs spectacularly with classic sides like Cuban black beans and rice, fried plantains, or even a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The savory, spicy chicken calls for sides that balance its boldness while keeping the meal authentic and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Slice the grilled chicken breast thinly and layer it on a warm Cuban sandwich with pickles, Swiss cheese, and mustard. Or serve it over a bed of cilantro-lime quinoa or grilled vegetables for a colorful, wholesome plate. The versatility of this recipe means it can shine in many creative ways on your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled Cuban chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or adding to salads and wraps during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked grilled chicken to enjoy later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen chicken will maintain the best quality for about two months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. This slow warming helps keep the chicken juicy without drying it out. Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice after reheating revives the fresh flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and tend to stay even juicier due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the grilling time slightly to ensure they cook through completely.
How spicy is this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe?
The recipe includes cayenne pepper for a mild kick, but it’s very adjustable. Feel free to increase or decrease the cayenne to match your heat preference perfectly.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes! Marinating overnight or up to 24 hours will deepen the flavor even more, making the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor grilling only?
Not at all. While grilling imparts the best smoky flavor and char, you can also use a grill pan or broiler indoors with excellent results if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
What should I pair with this chicken for a full Cuban meal?
Traditional Cuban sides like black beans and rice, sweet plantains, and a crisp green salad complement this chicken wonderfully, creating a balanced and satisfying Cuban-inspired meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe enough if you want to spice up your cooking with something fresh, flavorful, and fun. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite, whether you’re cooking for family or friends. Give it a try and let the bright, smoky, tangy flavors carry you straight to the shores of Cuba!
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
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Grilled Cuban Chicken recipe features succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lime and orange juices, garlic, and aromatic spices, then grilled to juicy perfection. The marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant Caribbean flavors, making it a flavorful and healthy main dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 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)
Main Ingredient
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, as needed
Instructions
- Preparation: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a well-blended marinade.
- Marinating the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 to 6 hours, to deeply infuse the flavors.
- Preheating the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Ensure the grill is hot enough to develop a nice char while avoiding burning.
- Grilling the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid and discarding remaining marinade. Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear, making the chicken fully cooked and juicy.
- Resting and Serving: Transfer grilled chicken to a platter and let rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an added zest and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spiciness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- The resting step helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.
- Serve with rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete Cuban-inspired meal.
