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
Scale
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.
