Juicy Spicy Grilled Cuban Chicken for Bold, Easy Dinners
This Cuban chicken recipe brings together citrusy marinades and savory spices, delivering a tender and juicy dish perfect for any outdoor gathering or weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 14 mins
- Total Time: 34 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 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)
- 1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4-6 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C).
4. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Discard the remaining marinade.
5. Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
6. Flip occasionally to ensure even grilling and to achieve nice grill marks. Adjust the grill’s heat as needed to avoid burning.
7. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a platter for about 5 minutes to retain its juiciness.
8. Garnish the chicken with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an added citrus kick.
Notes
This chicken pairs well with Cuban black beans and rice, plantains, or a fresh green salad.
To enhance the smoky flavor, consider adding wood chips to the grill.
The longer you marinate the chicken, the more intense the flavor; however, avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as the citrus can break down the meat’s texture.
For an extra layer of flavor, serve with a spicy Cuban mojo sauce on the side.
If you don’t have access to a grill, an indoor grill pan or oven broiler can be used as alternatives.
Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/juicy-spicy-grilled-cuban-chicken/