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
Scale
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.
