Description
This authentic Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken infused with a vibrant marinade of garlic, lime, orange juice, and aromatic spices. Perfectly baked or grilled, these flavorful chicken thighs make a delightful main course garnished with fresh cilantro, ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2-3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined and aromatic.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a glass dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat your grill to medium-high if grilling. This ensures optimal cooking temperature for juicy and well-cooked chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for the oven method, or directly on the grill grates if grilling. Bake for 35-45 minutes until cooked through, or grill for 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is nicely charred.
- Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness in the chicken.
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs retain moisture during cooking and develop a crispy skin.
- You can use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness at 165°F internal temperature.
- If grilling, be attentive to flare-ups due to the marinade oils.
- This recipe pairs well with rice, black beans, or a simple salad.
