If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and transports you straight to the sunny streets of Havana, this Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy, marinated chicken breasts infused with a lively blend of citrus juices, aromatic garlic, and warm spices come together to create a meal that’s both simple and irresistibly tasty. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this recipe promises a satisfying bite that feels like a celebration in every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft this delicious Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe, you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients—just a handful of fresh, quality staples. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the zesty citrus juices that tenderize the chicken to the smoky spices that bring depth and a touch of heat.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice: Adds bright acidity and helps tenderize the chicken for a juicy result.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Offers a subtle sweetness and balances the citrus flavors beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the marinade smooth and helps the chicken stay moist on the grill.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings pungent, savory notes that are classic in Cuban cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Infuses earthy warmth that complements the bright citrus.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth and rich red color.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Imparts herbal freshness and authentic Cuban flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps season the chicken evenly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick and balances sweet and savory notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spiciness): Adds heat that you can customize to your liking.
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, perfect for quick grilling.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal accents for finishing.
- Lime wedges, as needed: For serving; adds an extra zing when squeezed on top.
How to Make Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk these together until the marinade is smooth and everything is perfectly blended. This marinade is the heart of the Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe, packing layers of flavor that coat each piece beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the vibrant marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated all over. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish, then pop it into the fridge. Let the chicken soak up all those zesty, spicy flavors for at least 2 hours, but for the best results, aim for 4 to 6 hours if you have the time.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
When your chicken is marinated and ready, get your grill heated to a medium-high setting—around 375°F to 400°F. It’s important to have a hot grill to get those gorgeous char marks while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the marinade, giving it a gentle shake to remove any excess liquid, and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to ensure they’re cooked through, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. The juices should run clear, signaling perfectly cooked chicken that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once grilled to perfection, transfer your chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This pause lets the juices redistribute so every bite is succulent. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the chicken and don’t forget a few lime wedges for that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro is the classic way to top off this dish, adding a burst of green freshness that complements the spices. A squeeze of lime juice just before eating also elevates the flavors, giving the chicken an extra lively, tangy punch.
Side Dishes
Grilled Cuban Chicken pairs wonderfully with traditional sides like fluffy white rice, black beans, or a crisp, tangy slaw. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside grilled vegetables or a simple avocado salad to balance the smoky, citrusy notes of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more casual vibe, slice the grilled chicken and serve it in warm tortillas with fresh salsa and a dollop of sour cream for delicious Cuban-style tacos. Or turn it into a hearty salad topping with mixed greens, avocado, and a citrus vinaigrette to keep things vibrant and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled and covered to maintain moisture and taste.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe for longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Adding a splash of water or a little lime juice can help keep the chicken juicy rather than drying it out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this marinade since they tend to stay juicier on the grill. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the amount to make it milder or more fiery depending on your preference.
Can I make the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day ahead to save time on cooking day. Just store it in the fridge and give it a quick whisk before pouring over the chicken.
Is it possible to cook this chicken in the oven?
If you don’t have access to a grill, baking the marinated chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes works well. Be sure to watch for doneness and finish under the broiler for a nice charred effect if you like.
What can I do with the leftover marinade?
Because the marinade has been in contact with raw chicken, it’s safest to discard any leftovers. However, you can reserve some fresh marinade before adding the chicken to baste during grilling, just be sure it’s uncooked.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Cuban Chicken Recipe is a delightful way to bring bold flavors and vibrant sunshine to your table. Its simple ingredients and straightforward technique make it approachable but never boring. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the juicy, smoky, citrus-infused magic for yourself—it just might become a new favorite in your cooking rotation!
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
Description
This Grilled Cuban Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant blend of lime and orange juices, garlic, and traditional Cuban spices. The marinade infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of citrusy tang and smoky, savory flavors before being grilled to juicy perfection. Ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or outdoor barbecue, this dish is easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
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)
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, as needed, for serving
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 combined to form a flavorful 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 evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably between 4 to 6 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C), ensuring it’s sufficiently hot to achieve a nice char on the chicken without burning it.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess, and discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear, indicating the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a platter and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute for moist results. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
- If you don’t have an outdoor grill, this recipe can be adapted for indoor grilling or broiling.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling keeps it tender and juicy.
