Description
This Grilled Cuban Chicken recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breasts infused with a vibrant blend of lime, orange juice, garlic, and traditional Cuban spices. Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char and tender interior, it’s a flavorful and healthy dish ideal for a family dinner or summer cookout.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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)
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, as needed
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all marinade ingredients. 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 form the marinade.
- Marinating the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a 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 let the flavors deeply infuse the meat.
- 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). Make sure the grill is hot enough to give the chicken a nice char while avoiding burning.
- Grilling the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Discard the leftover marinade. Place the 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, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked yet juicy.
- Resting and Serving: Transfer the grilled chicken to a platter and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges to add a burst of fresh zest and flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow resting time after grilling to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
